Physical Education, Sports Medicine and Doping Studies

Physical Activity

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.