Common Sports Injuries

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• Cervical burners or stingers (Brachial Plexus Injuries)

  Injury to the nerves of the neck and shoulder that cause a burning or stinging feeling are called burners or stingers. This happens when the brachial plexus, the network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm and hand, experiences a trauma. Football players most often experience this injury. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Cervical disc injury

  During athletic activity, the fibrocartilage that sits between the vertebrae in the spine can be damaged, resulting in compression of the anatomic structures. This can occur as a result of hyperextension. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Concussion

  A hit to the head or severe jarring of the head can cause injury to the brain and loss of function. A concussion can happen with any physical activity and can last for days, weeks or longer. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Spinal cord injury

  The spinal cord is a long, major bundle of nerves that extends from the base of the brain down the back to about the waist. It carries nerve impulses to and from the brain to the rest of the body. Spinal cord injury may result from a direct trauma to the spinal cord or to surrounding bones, tissues or blood vessels. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Stress fractures

  A stress fracture is a hairline fracture to one or more vertebrae that is typically caused by repeated stress or overuse. It can be caused by increased intensity or physical stress on the body during sports or activity. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

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• Acromioclavicular (AC) sprain/strain

  A shoulder sprain is stretching or partial tearing of the ligaments and capsule that support the shoulder. Shoulder sprains may result from falling on an outstretched arm, a forced twisting of the arm or a blow to the shoulder. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Arthritis

  Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that results in swelling and stiffness. Arthritis of the shoulder is felt when pain, stiffness and swelling occurs at the junction of the collarbone, shoulder blade and arm bone. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Bicep tendonitis

  Inflammation/overuse of the muscle-tendon unit is caused by wear and tear, such as with repeated reaching or throwing. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Labrum tears

  A shoulder labral tear is an injury to the cartilage in the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. This condition occurs when the cartilage between the arm bone and the shoulder socket tears. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Multi-directional instability

  Shoulder instability is a condition in which the upper-end of the humerus (the upper arm bone) slides partially or completely out of the shoulder socket. Instability occurs when the head slips outside its normal position, and may move in one or more directions. Instability often results from an initial acute injury producing a dislocation that even with healing, leads to stretching of the shoulder capsule and ligaments. This type of injury is often due to a fall, direct hit or force applied to an outstretched arm. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Rotator cuff tears and tendonitis

  Rotator cuff injury may include tendonitis, strain or tear of the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and four separate tendons that fuse together to surround the shoulder joint. This injury occurs when tendons that wrap around the top of the shoulder tear, as a result of a direct blow to the shoulder or falling on an outstretched arm or repetitive overhead motion (tendonitis) of the arm like with swimming, baseball or tennis. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Scapular stabilization

  The scapula, or shoulder blade, is the bone that connects the arm bone (humerus) with the collar bone (clavicle). Normal shoulder motion depends upon the coordinated movement of the shoulder blade on the chest wall and the movement of the ball in the shoulder socket. When muscles around this joint are injured, it becomes unstable, disrupting movement of the arm and shoulder. Scapular stabilization refers to a set of exercises that strengthen the shoulder girdle muscles to restore normal scapular motion.

• Shoulder dislocation/subluxation

  A shoulder can pop out of its socket if a strong force, such as a fall or collision, pulls the shoulder upward or outward, or from an extreme external rotation of the humerus. Sometimes the shoulder pops out from the joint but pops back — a problem called subluxation, or partial dislocation. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

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• Arthritis

  Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that results in swelling and stiffness of the joints. Arthritis of the back is felt when pain, stiffness and swelling occurs in the lower back and spine. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Lumbar disc rupture

  When damage to the discs between vertebrae in the spine occurs it is called a disc herniation or rupture. When the disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary and this herniated disc bulges out from between the vertebrae and can result in spinal nerves and the spinal cord being pinched. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain

  The sacroiliac joint is in the lower back where the spine meets the pelvis. Sacroiliac joint pain at the base of the spine makes movement difficult and can be the result of a number conditions or diseases, such as trauma, weak muscles and osteoarthritis. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Spinal cord injury

  A spinal cord injury may result from a direct injury to the cord itself or indirectly from damage to surrounding bones, tissues or blood vessels. The injury causes weakness and sensory loss with the severity of the symptoms dependent upon if the cord is completely or partially injured. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Spondylolysis

  Spondylolysis is a stress fracture that occurs in a part of the vertebrae (spinal bone). This condition occurs about 90 percent in the lower back. It can fracture on one or both sides (bilateral). This fracture is the most common cause of back pain in adolescent athletes. Left untreated, it can lead to spondylolisthesis, a more serious condition where the vertebra slips forward on the one below it. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Sprain or strain

  Lumbar (lower back) muscle sprains and strains are the most common causes of lower back pain. Lower back strain is caused when muscle fibers are stretched beyond normal or torn. Lower back sprain is when the bands of tissue that hold bones together are torn from their attachments. Both conditions are usually the result of sudden injury or misuse/overuse. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

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• Arthritis

  Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that results in swelling and stiffness of the joints. Inflammation of the joint results in pain, stiffness and swelling in the elbow. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Bursitis

  Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, oftentimes brought on by overuse through repetitive motion or a blow from contact sports. A bursa is a thin, slippery piece of tissue that protects tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones. Bursitis most often occurs in the following joints: shoulder, elbow, knee and hip. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Elbow dislocation/subluxation

  When the joint surfaces of an elbow are separated, the elbow is dislocated. Elbow dislocations can be complete or partial. In a complete dislocation, the joint surfaces are completely separated. In a partial dislocation, the joint surfaces are only partly separated. A partial dislocation is also called a subluxation. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Golfer’s elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

  Medial epicondylitis is pain over the bone on the inner side of the elbow. The piece of bone that can be felt on the inner side of the elbow is called the medial epicondyle. When the tendons attached to this bone are overstretched or torn, they can become painful. Medial epicondylitis is commonly called golfer’s elbow, but it can occur in tennis players and other people who repeatedly grip objects tightly. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Strain or sprain

  An elbow sprain is stretching or tearing of the ligaments that stabilize the elbow. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that cross joints and connect bones to each other. Elbow sprains may be caused by forced twisting of the arm, falling on an outstretched arm or a blow to the elbow. Learn more about this condition ands treatment options.

• Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis

  Lateral epicondylitis is pain over the bone on the outside of the elbow. The piece of bone that can be felt on the outside of the elbow is called the lateral epicondyle. When the tendons attached to this bone are overused, they can deteriorate and become painful. Tennis elbow is caused by overusing the forearm extensor muscles. Learn more about his condition and treatment options.

• Ulnar collateral tear

  The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is a fibrous band of tissue that brings stability to the elbow. The UCL plays an important part in most throwing sports and is usually the result of overuse or brought on by a traumatic event, such as an elbow dislocation. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

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• Carpal tunnel syndrome

  Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder of the hand caused by compression of the median nerve. The median nerve gets squeezed inside a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This nerve provides feeling to the thumb, index and middle fingers, and half the ring finger. The result may be numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand and fingers. Repetitive movement and some sports may bring on this condition. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Colles’ fracture

  A colles’ fracture is a break in the distal part of the radius bone of the wrist. This type of break usually occurs after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Navicular or scaphoid fracture

  The navicular bone is the most common wrist bone to break in a fall. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Smith fracture

  The Smith fracture is an injury to the forearm bone (the radius) near the wrist joint. The injury most commonly occurs after falling on to the back of the hand. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Sprain or strain

  With a wrist sprain or strain, the ligaments of the wrist are stretched beyond their normal limits. A ligament is tough, fibrous tissue that controls the motion around the joint. Repetitive motion can bring about this injury. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Tendonitis

  Tendons connect muscle to bone and help move joints. Tendinitis, or tendonitis, means inflammation of a tendon, usually as a result of overuse. Pain and tenderness near a joint usually occurs in the shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, heels or wrists. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Tenosynovitis

  Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tenosynovium, a sheath that covers tendons. This condition most often occurs in the hand, wrist or foot, as a result of trauma, repeated strain or disease. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

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• Boutonnière finger

  Boutonnière deformity (BD) affects the finger’s system of tendons. The tendons allow you to flex and straighten you finger. If you have BD, you cannot straighten your finger. Participation in rough sports can increase your risk of this condition. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Boxer fracture

  A boxer fracture, or brawler’s fracture, is an injury that occurs when a fist strikes a solid object, resulting in a break in the bone below the knuckle. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Dislocation/Subluxation

  A finger dislocation occurs when the bones that normally fit are no longer aligned properly. This often also implies stretching or damage to the ligaments. Dislocation can occur as a result of a jamming force at the end of the finger, a finger being forcefully twisted or bent, or a finger being overextended. A partial dislocation is called subluxation, where the finger bone slips partly out of the joint, then pops back into place. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Jersey (or skier’s) thumb

  A jersey thumb (or finger) is the result of a torn ligament. Tendons are responsible for connecting muscles to bone. The fingers have tendons that run all the way up to the finger tips. The tendons on the palm side enable you to curl (flex) your fingers. A flexor tendon injury is damage to these tendons. When the tendons are damaged you can lose your ability to bend your finger(s). Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Mallet finger

  A mallet (or baseball) finger occurs when one of the tendons that hold the bones of the finger is stretched or torn. The most common cause of a mallet finger is when the tip of a finger is forcibly jammed into flexion or hit against a solid object. It occurs often in sports, such as baseball and basketball, when a ball hits the end of an extended finger. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Sprain or strain

  A finger sprain or strain is stretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the small joints of the finger. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other. A finger sprain usually results from a blow to the finger, often during athletic activity when an athlete jams a finger into another person, the ball, or piece of equipment. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

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• Hip pointers

  A hip pointer is a bruise to the upper part of your hip. This part of the hip bone is called the iliac crest. Many muscles, including abdominal muscles, attach at this site. A pointer can involve injury to bone and soft tissue. Hip pointers are caused by a direct blow to the boney part of the pelvis. This commonly occurs in football or hockey when another player’s helmet hits the pelvis or by taking a hard fall onto the hip in any sport. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Hip labral tear

  A hip labral tear is an injury to the cartilage inside the hip joint. The hip joint is made of a ball and socket. The ball is the end of the thigh bone (femur). This ball fits into the bowl-shaped socket in the pelvic bone (acetabulum). Cartilage lines the socket to keep movement smooth and the joint cushioned. When the cartilage tears it is called a hip labral tear. This condition can be the result of wear and tear, twisting and trauma. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

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• ACL tear

  An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a tear in the ACL ligament. The ACL is located in the middle of the knee joint and connects the lower leg bone to the thigh bone. It stabilizes the knee by preventing the thigh bone from sliding too far forward at the knee. Patients may hear a popping sound and the knee may buckle. ACL tears can occur as a result of playing sports that require sudden changes of direction, such as soccer, skiing or basketball. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

  Learn more about ACL injuries and ways to prevent injuries with this short guide.

• Arthritis

  Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that results in swelling and stiffness of the joints. Inflammation of the joint results in pain, stiffness and swelling in the knee. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Articular cartilage injuries

  Articular cartilage is a complex, living tissue that lines the bony surface of joints. It provides a low friction surface enabling the joint to withstand weight bearing through the range of motion needed for daily activities and sports. Articular cartilage injuries occur as a result of either trauma or progressive wear and tear.

• Bursitis

  Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, oftentimes brought on by overuse through repetitive motion or a blow from contact sports. A bursa is a thin, slippery piece of tissue that protects tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones. Bursitis most often occurs in the following joints: shoulder, elbow, knee and hip. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• IT band tendonitis

  Iliotibial band syndrome (pain on the outer side of the knee), and tendinitis, also called tendinosis, is marked by degeneration within a tendon, usually where it joins the bone. Inflammation and small tears of the tendon that connects the muscle to the bone is usually brought on by excessive physical activity. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• LCL tear

  The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is a thin band of tissue that helps connect the thighbone (femur) to the small bone of the lower leg (fibular). An LCL injury is a stretch, partial (or complete) tear of the ligament on the outside of the knee. Damage to the LCL causes instability and pain. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• MCL tear

  The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of the four major ligaments  that holds the knee joint together. It is the thin band of tissue that stabilizes the joint on the inside of the knee. An MCL injury is a stretch, partial (or complete) tear of this ligament. Damage to the LCL causes instability and pain. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Meniscus injuries

  The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the bones in a joint. A meniscal tear is a tear in the meniscus, a shock-absorbing structure in the knee. There are two menisci (plural of meniscus) in each knee, one on the inside (medial), and one on the outside (lateral). The meniscus can tear from compression and twisting of the knee during athletic activity. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Patella (kneecap) dislocation/subluxation

  Kneecap dislocation occurs when the patella, or kneecap, moves or slides out of place. If the kneecap slips partially out but pops back in it is called subluxation. With dislocation the kneecap may slide sideways or around to the outside of the knee. This condition can happen when a runner suddenly changes direction. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Patelle tendonitis

  The patellar tendon connects the patella (kneecap) to the lower leg bone (tibia). Patelle tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon that connects muscle to bone, usually as a result of high impact activity such as intense running, jumping or an impact. Tendinopathy and the associated pain may take months to resolve. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Patello-femoral syndrome

  The patella is the bone that makes the knee cap. Patello-femoral pain syndrome is a condition in which pain is felt under the kneecap. This pain occurs during exercise or movement. It is most common during weight bearing activities such as running. It is often increased by going down stairs or down hills. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• PCL tear

  The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), is a piece of connective tissue located within the knee near the back. The PCL connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia), and keeps the shinbone from moving too far backward. When a strong force (such as during a sports activity or other high-stress activity) is applied to the PCL, the ligament can become strained or torn and cause pain, swelling ands instability. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Sprain/strain

  A knee sprain is stretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the knee. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other. Knee sprains/strains can occur from forced twisting of the knee, sudden stops during running, landing awkwardly after jumping or a blow to the knee. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

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• Achilles tear/tendonitis

  An Achilles tendon injury results from a stretch, tear, or irritation to the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the back of the heel. Damage to the Achilles is often the result of trauma. The most common cause of Achilles tendon tears is tendinitis, a degenerative condition caused by aging or overuse. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Ankle sprain

  An ankle sprain is a partial or complete tear of the ligaments that support the ankle. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that cross joints and connect bones to each other. Ankle sprains can be caused by falling or sudden twisting of the ankle. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Arthritis

  Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that results in swelling and stiffness of the joints. Inflammation of the joint results in pain, stiffness and swelling in the knee. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Compartmental syndrome

  Compartment syndrome is an uncommon, exercise-induced neuromuscular condition that causes swelling and even disability in muscles of the legs or arms. Chronic compartment syndrome (CCS) occurs when pressure builds up within the body’s muscle compartments. Over time, this disrupts or blocks blood flow to the muscles. The result is pain, numbness, and tightness in the limb. CCS is often caused by intense exercise. Unlike acute compartment syndrome, CCS is not an emergency, but you should see your doctor to get treatment. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Muscle strains

  A muscle strain is an injury (partial tear) that damages the internal structure of the muscle. Overstretching or sudden stress of the muscle or a blow to the muscle can lead to minor tears and tightness that gets worse with use and better with rest. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Shin splints

  Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is exercise-related pain in the shins. It may be caused by an irritation of the tendons and muscles near the shin bones. MTSS is commonly known as shin splints. This injury is most often seen among runners. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Stress fracture

  A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone, caused by repeated stress or overuse, not by a blow or trauma. Most stress fractures occur in the lower leg and foot. They can also occur in the hip and other areas. Most stress fractures can heal spontaneously. However, some may lead to complete fractures, or may require surgery. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

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• Achilles tendinitis

  An Achilles tendon injury results from a stretch, tear, or irritation to the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the back of the heel. Damage to the Achilles is often the result of trauma. The most common cause of Achilles tendon tears is tendinitis, a degenerative condition caused by aging or overuse. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Foot fracture

  A foot fracture can be caused by trauma to the bone, falls, blows or falling objects, collisions and severe twists. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Heel bursitis

  Heel bursitis (inflammation of the back of the heel) can be caused by landing hard or awkwardly on the heel, or by pressure from shoes. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Plantar fasciitis

  Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue attached to the heel bone that supports the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is caused by activity that puts extra stress on the foot, such as sports that require running and jumping or a sudden increase in exercise intensity or duration. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Stress fracture

  A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone, caused by repeated stress or overuse, not by a blow or trauma. Most stress fractures occur in the lower leg and foot. They can also occur in the hip and other areas. Most stress fractures can heal spontaneously. However, some may lead to complete fractures, or may require surgery. The most common sites of stress fractures are the second and third metatarsals of the foot. Stress fractures are also common in the heel and the navicular, a bone on the top of the midfoot. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Toe fracture

  A toe fracture is a break in a toe bone. A toe fracture is caused by trauma to the bone as a direct result of falling down or a direct blow to the toe. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.

• Toe sprain

  A toe sprain is caused by a partial tear of the ligaments that support a toe. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other. Toe sprains may be caused by stubbing your toe while walking barefoot or stopping suddenly or landing awkwardly from a jump causing the toe to jam into the end of your shoe. Learn more about this condition and treatment options.