Physical Education, Sports Medicine and Doping Studies

Fitness & Nutrition and Health

Injuries occur for a variety of reasons. Traumatic injuries occur when contact or force is too much for your muscles, joints or bones to absorb. A sprained ankle, a twisted knee, a fall off your bicycle or a collision at second base is examples of this type of injury. Overuse injuries are a gradual breakdown of body structures. They can often be prevented and are generally caused by any one or combination of the following:

• Not enough strength for the activity
• Not enough flexibility for the activity
• Inappropriate activity or intensity (too much, too soon!)
• Improper or faulty equipment
• Change in exercise surface (different running terrain or exercise floor)
• Poor biomechanics or technique

Pain is an indication that something is wrong, so listen to your body. As your injury progresses, pain will increase and/or occur earlier during exercise. Swelling, redness or warmth-to-the-touch are also signs of injury and inflammation. Seek medical attention to begin your road to recovery.