Ways to Classify Sports Injuries

Direct and Indirect

Direct
- Caused by an external force due to tackle or collision.
- The site of injury is generally the point of collision.
- Injury types include: fractures, dislocation, sprains and bruises.
Indirect
- Damage or impact experienced intrinsically.
- Results from inexpert ballistic movements, inadequate warm up, and while executing skills that are still lacking in training.
- Muscles, ligaments and tendons (soft tissues) are affected.

Soft and Hard Tissue

Soft tissue
- Damages are endured by the muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, organs, blood vessels and nerves.
- Can be due to a sudden impact (acute) or a prolonged experience due to previous acute injuries (chronic).
- Types include:
  - Tears
  - Sprain
  - Contusion
  - Abrasion
  - Laceration
  - Blister
  - Callus
- Recovery takes 3 days to 12 months depending on the degree of injury.
- Initial symptoms include pain, swelling, inflammation and sometimes loss of mobility.
- The RICER method is used for recovery:
  - Rest – The athlete is withdrawn from the playing field.
  - Ice – Common form of first aid cryotherapy.
  - Compression – Securing the site of injury with an elastic bandage.
  - Elevation – The injured part of the body is elevated above heart level.
  - Referral – Further follow up with a physician.
- Hard tissue
  - Injuries that damage the bones and teeth.
  - Direct impact of a force applied deliberately.
  - Symptoms include: pain, swelling, dysfunctional limb, deformation.
  - Management methods include: DRSABCD, ice, elevation, immobilization by using splint, seeking medical help as soon as possible.
  - Example: dislocations, fractures.

Overuse

Results from the stress applied on muscles or joints by repeating particular movements making the muscles and joints exhausted.
The site of injury triggers pain and is often inflamed.
Can lead to stress fractures.
Example: Shin splints, tendonitis