Whether you’re a pro athlete, weekend player or high school all-star, injuries can be a major setback to your whole health. Knowing the difference between acute and chronic injuries can help you learn to avoid them and keep yourself strong.
Acute Sports Injuries
Acute injuries often result from activities such as suddenly changing direction while running, colliding with another player or falling during play. These injuries occur suddenly and can be severe.
Acute injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Concussion
- Dislocated shoulder
- Fractures
- Knee injuries, such as ACL and meniscus tears
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Rotator cuff tears
You may also be at risk of acute sports injuries if you’re not in good enough shape to play, aren’t warming up properly, haven’t been properly trained or are using improper equipment.
Symptoms of acute injuries include:
- An injured arm or leg won’t support weight
- Extreme tenderness in the injured area
- Headache or dizziness, nausea and vomiting (concussion)
- No range of motion in a joint
- Odd angle in a broken bone
- Sudden severe pain
- Swelling
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your doctor for the prompt care you need.
Chronic Sports Injuries
Chronic injuries develop from long-term repetitive motion in sports like long-distance running, cycling and swimming. Sometimes called overuse injuries, they result from wear and tear over time and can be made worse by poor technique. Chronic sports injuries include:
- Achilles tendon injuries (in runners)
- Runner's knee
- Stress fractures
- Tennis elbow
Chronic injuries have symptoms in the affected area, such as:
- Dull ache when resting
- Pain during activity
- Swelling or fluid build-up
Treatment for Acute and Chronic Sports Injuries
For relief from an acute or chronic injury, and to reduce swelling, use the RICE method:
- Rest to prevent further injury
- Ice for 10 to 20 minutes every 3 hours
- Compress the injured area to reduce swelling
- Elevate an injured arm or leg above the heart to reduce swelling
You can also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen to help with the pain.
Although acute injuries are sudden, they often take weeks to heal and may require physical therapy or surgery to help you get back in shape. If left untreated, acute injuries can become chronic conditions.
Concussions require special evaluation by a doctor before you can return to play your sport. Chronic sports injuries develop over time and take longer to manage or heal. As with acute injuries, you may need physical therapy or even surgery, depending on the injury.
Play Healthy
One of the best ways to avoid acute or chronic injuries is to stay in shape, improve your technique and always warm up properly. It’s also good advice to have a trusted professional ready to help you if you do experience an injury.
Orthopedic Experts Are in Your Corner
If you’re focused on injury prevention or need help healing a nagging sports injury, turn to our orthopedic experts for help.
Find a specialist near you and learn more about our partnership with USTA National Campus as part of our ongoing commitment to providing whole-person care.
