Chronic vs Acute Sports Injuries: What's the difference
Participation in sports is a great way of being physically fit and active, and it also helps us be in a positive state of mind. But with all the positive things the risk of injury also comes. In sports, the majority of injuries are either acute or chronic. Knowing the difference between these two categories of injury can enable athletes to take the correct measures when these injuries take place so that they will be able to recover from them without having any severe effects on the body. Below is an explanation of acute and chronic injuries.
What Are Acute Sports Injuries?
Acute sports injuries are injuries that happen suddenly, causing significant damage to the body parts. These injuries generally occur due to collision or any twist of the body parts or due to fall, etc. It can happen at any time and can happen while working out or training.
Examples of acute injury include:
- Sprained ankles
- Dislocated shoulders
- Bone fractures
- Muscle strains
- Ligament tears
Symptoms are usually:
- Sharp and immediate pain
- Swelling or bruising
- Difficulty in moving the injured area normally
Acute injuries usually need to be found out immediately in order to avoid additional injury so that the healing process will be speedy.
What Are Chronic Sports Injuries?
Chronic sports injuries are injuries that develop over time. These injuries are caused by stress, improper technique, or overwork on a particular part of the body without giving the body the rest that it requires to recover.
Examples of chronic injury include:
- Tendinitis
- Stress fractures
- Shin splints
- Tennis elbow
- Runner's knee
Typical symptoms of chronic injuries include:
- Persistent, aching pain
- Stiffness or soreness, particularly after exercise
- Intermittent swelling
- Decreased performance or mobility with time
These injuries are difficult because the athletes will play despite the pain and exacerbate the condition.
Prevention Strategies for Both Types of Injuries
Although not all injuries can be prevented, many can be avoided with habits and intelligent training. This is how:
For Acute Injuries:
- Properly warm up before exercise
- Utilize protective equipment suited to the sport
- Learn and practice proper techniques
- Be mindful of your environment at play
In the case of Chronic Injuries:
- Avoid overtraining and provide time for recovery and rest
- Cross-train to equalize muscle growth
- Be aware of the initial signs of discomfort
- Utilize supportive shoes and accessories
- Arrange for regular physiotherapy checkups if you are a high-volume athlete When to Seek Medical Help
It's crucial not to overlook pain or distress, particularly if:
- The pain is sharp, severe, or keeps you from moving a joint or limb ● There's noticeable swelling, bruising, or deformity
- Pain continues for longer than a few days
- You observe decreased strength or mobility over time
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between these two injuries that we discuss in this blog is essential for maintaining your health as an active person or being an athlete. In case of Acute injuries, we need immediate actions to be on the safer side to minimize the damage done. Whereas for chronic injuries, we need to give time and care for a long period. So that, with time and care, the injury will heal. By giving attention to your body movement, taking immediate action in case of any injuries, and getting medical help if necessary, we will be able to minimize the risk of these types of injuries, so that we will be able to live a happy and active life.