Causes of Sports Injuries

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the causes of sports injuries, types of injuries, and common conditions associated with physical activity.

Sports Injuries

Injuries that occur when individuals engage in physical activities such as sports and exercise, often resulting in damaged tissues or organs.

Tissue Breakdown

Occurs when tissues are subjected to an impact or physical force greater than what they can absorb, causing injury.

Tensile Forces

Forces that act away from the center of a structure, causing a pull or stretch.

Compressive Forces

Forces that impact the center of a structure, leading it to bend or fold.

Shear Forces

Opposing forces acting toward different ends of a structure, causing it to twist.

Sprain

An injury involving overstretched ligaments that stabilize joints when forced beyond their normal range.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

A key ligament that stabilizes the knee during muscular contractions.

Strain

An injury characterized by a twist, pull, or tear of muscle or tendon, often due to overstretching or over contraction.

Fracture

A break in bone, commonly occurring in the upper limbs, especially in growing bones.

Dislocation

An injury where joints move out of place, commonly affecting areas like the shoulder and elbow.

Concussion

A serious brain injury caused by a severe blow to the head that disrupts normal brain function.

Chronic Injuries

Injuries that develop slowly over time, often due to overuse, leading to long-term health issues.

Stress Fracture

A common injury among runners, resulting from repetitive stress, leading to micro trauma in bones.

Tendinopathy/Tendinitis

An overuse injury involving the muscle-tendon unit, often due to muscle imbalances.

Osteoarthritis

The deterioration of joint cartilage leading to friction and pain during movement.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that provides cushioning around joints, often due to repetitive stress.