Overview

Sports injuries are quite prevalent, which may give you the wrong idea that they are all benign. In reality, a sports injury could require immediate medical or surgical intervention to heal without sequela.

Therefore, it is important to listen to your body. If you experience any pain that doesn’t feel like the usual muscle sore, stop immediately. Exercising on an injury can make it even worse.

In this article, we will cover some of the signs and symptoms to look out for when undergoing a sports injury.

1. Severe pain

When you exercise, pain is inevitable. The muscles get overworked, which leads to cramps and sores. This is completely normal.

However, sudden and severe pain can be a sign that something is not right. Stop what you are doing if you experience any unusual pain and seek medical attention.

2. Unable to walk normally

If the injury renders you unable to walk normally, that’s also a bad sign. Typically, you would face some difficulties when walking with an injury; however, it usually subsides rapidly.

The inability to walk with an injury means you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

3. Swelling

Swelling or edema is a sign of inflammation at the site of injury. When fluids, inflammatory proteins, and microbes collect in one area, edema occurs.

Everyone experiences edema after an injury; however, very large swelling that fades the characteristics of your joints or bones may hide something serious.

4. Bleeding

It goes without saying that bleeding is a bad sign. Of course, we are not talking about minor cuts here. We are referring to serious bleeding that doesn’t stop despite hemostatic attempts.

Note that bleeding can be a cause of infection; therefore, make sure to clean the cut carefully with alcohol and sterile band-aids.

5. Bone misalignment

Bone misalignment is a sign of a bone fracture. You should immediately go to the hospital if you see that one of your bones is misaligned.

6. Numbness

Numbness of the upper or lower limbs may indicate a neurological issue. When the nerves in your back get injured, this may lead to numbness.

Another sign of a neurological issue is the inability to move your limbs or contract muscles.

7. Discoloration of the skin

When the color of your skin changes, it could be a sign of bleeding or infection. Stop what you are doing and head to the nearest emergency center.

Keep in mind that the discoloration may not occur immediately. It may develop a few hours after getting injured.

Takeaway message

Learning how to recognize a potentially serious sports injury can help you prevent unnecessary complications.

We hope that this article managed to highlight the signs to look out for when getting injured. However, we recommend seeking professional help of your doctor for tailored medical advice.

By Dr. Kevin Crawford, Lubbock Sports Medicine Doctor and Orthopedic Surgeon.