Racquet sports injuries
Injuries and even sudden death have been associated with the high-intensity bursts of activity characteristic of racquet sports. The most likely causes are a lack of fitness and a failure to warm up and stretch before playing. Those most at risk are people who are highly competitive and often under a great deal of stress.
Less serious injuries are often self-treatable, while others will require professional assessment and treatment.
The most common injuries in all racquet sports include:
- Ankle sprains – these are the most common of all tennis injuries. Ankle sprains usually occur when the foot turns inward, causing swelling and pain on the outside of the ankle. To self-treat a mild ankle sprain, get weight off the ankle, apply ice to reduce swelling, wrap the ankle in a compression bandage, and elevate the ankle.
- Plantar fasciitis - stress on the bottom of the foot sometimes causes arch pain. The plantar fascia, a supportive, fibrous band of tissue running the length of the foot, becomes inflamed and painful. If arch pain persists, consider investing in better shoes, an over-the-counter support, or see a doctor of podiatric medicine for a custom-made orthotic device to insert into the shoe.
- Stress fractures and shin splints - sometimes the long metatarsal bones behind the toes fracture and swell under the stress, causing severe pain when walking. Shin splints, which are micro-tears of the anterior calf muscles, and Achilles tendon pulls of the posterior calf muscles, are all treatable with rest, ice, and elevation. These injuries tend to occur on harder court surfaces, and should be healed fully before resuming play.
- Corns and blisters - such injuries are readily self-treatable, yet care should be taken to ensure that treatment does not aggravate the problem. When treating corns, do not try to trim with sharp objects. Instead, buff problem areas with a pumice stone after bathing. For blisters, pierce the side with a sterilized needle and drain, then apply an antibiotic cream.
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