Preventing Sports Injuries Good preventive steps: Warm up before you work out, alternate days for exercising certain muscle groups, and cool down when you're done. Sports and Fractures Stress fractures are weak spots or small cracks in the bone caused by continuous overuse. They often occur in the foot after training for basketball, running, and other sports. Avoiding Joint Injuries Common injuries include a twisted ankle, sprained wrist, overextended elbow and damaged knee ligaments. Fortunately, you can take steps to help prevent joint damage. Dislocations A dislocation occurs when extreme force is put on a ligament, allowing the ends of two connected bones to separate. Ligaments are flexible bands of fibrous tissue that connect various bones and cartilage. Treating a Minor Sports Injury Whether it's a twisted ankle, a shin splint or a strained muscle, when should you see a doctor for a sports injury? Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee) Jumper's knee is also known as patellar tendonitis. It may be caused by overuse of the knee joint, such as frequent jumping on hard surfaces. Knees Are Casualties of Women's Sports Active women are at least twice as likely to suffer serious knee injuries as men, but it's not just athletes who are at risk. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee) Runner's knee occurs when the kneecap rubs against the thighbone as it moves. The condition can be caused by a structural defect or a certain way of walking or running. Shin Splints Shin splints involve damage to one of two groups of muscles along the shin bone that cause pain. The location of the shin splint pain depends on which group of muscles is damaged. How to Avoid Common Running Injuries Knowing about common injuries and how to prevent them can keep you on track toward achieving your fitness goals. You Can Head Off Stress Fractures A stress fracture occurs when you increase the length or intensity of your workout too quickly. Dehydration and Heat Stroke Dehydration and heat stroke are two very common heat-related diseases that can be life threatening if left untreated. Trampoline Safety Home trampolines are popular and seem like lots of fun, but they’re also dangerous. They cause thousands of injuries every year in the U.S. Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke) Children and teens are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses for several reasons. They adjust more slowly to changes in air temperature. They also produce more heat with activity and sweat less. Overuse Injuries Detailed information on overuse injuries in children, including jumper's knee, patellar tendonitis, little leaguers' elbow, little leaguers' shoulder, osteochondritis dissecans, Sever's disease, shin splints, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease, spondylolisthesis, and spondylolysis Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back) A lumbar strain is an injury to the lower back, which results in damaged tendons and muscles that spasm and feel sore. Sports Safety for Children Because they are still growing, children are more susceptible to sports injuries. Half of those injuries could be prevented with proper safety gear, safer playing environments, and established safety rules.