Athletic Training Services

The most common types of injuries in sports affect the musculoskeletal system-- the network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and other tissues that provide the body with stability and movement. Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries, are usually divided into 2 categories-- acute and chronic injuries.

• ACUTE injuries happen suddenly when you fall, get hit, or twist a joint. There is usually a specific event that you can remember when your acute injury occurred. Examples: sprains, strains, dislocations, bruises (contusions), fractures.

• CHRONIC injuries are usually from overuse of one area of the body and develop gradually over time. Often it seems like these injuries creep up out of no where and you can't think of a specific incident that occurred causing your pain. Examples: tendinitis, shin splints, stress fractures.

Treatment for MSK injuries depends on the type of injury and the severity of the injury. Your Athletic Trainer (AT) is trained in the recognition, evaluation, and treatment of MSK injuries, and can often be your first contact to a healthcare provider after injury. Some MSK injuries can be managed with your AT, but some injuries might require imaging (x-rays or MRI) and a doctor visit; your Athletic Trainer is a great resource to help you figure that out! Injuries to the musculoskeletal (MSK) system that are common in athlete include fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, tendinitis, or bursitis.

Types of MSK Injuries

Bone Fracture

FRACTURE = BREAK! 

A fracture is a break in a bone that occurs from either a quick, one-time injury, known as an acute fracture, or from repeated stress, known as a stress fracture. Growth plate fractures are unique to children who are still growing.

• Acute fractures

A fall or direct hit to an area can cause a fracture or break in the bone, and the severity depends on the force that caused the break. The bone may crack, break all the way through, or shatter. Fractures where the bone goes through the skin are called compound fractures and are especially serious because of the increased risk of infection. Most acute fractures are emergencies.

• Stress fractures

Stress fractures usually occur in the weight-bearing bones of the lower extremity- femur, tibia, fibula, and foot bones. They are common in sports where there is repetitive impact, like running and jumping, which include cross country, track, and basketball. Fun fact: running creates forces on the lower limbs that are 2-3 TIMES your body weight!

• Growth plate fractures

The growth plate is an area of cartilage near the ends of long bones which allow the bones to lengthen until you reach your full height. Growth plates are especially vulnerable to injury until they are converted to bone, which usually happens by the time you turn 20. Growth plate fractures can result from an acute traumatic event or from chronic stress and overuse.

Dislocation

Two bones that come together form a joint and when the joint becomes separated, it's described as dislocated. Contact sports such as football, basketball, and rugby, and any sport that involves significant stretching or falling, cause most dislocations. A joint dislocation can be a very painful injury and typically requires immediate medical treatment. Sometimes the bones move back into place on their own, but often the need to be manually relocated or reduced.  Joint dislocations most commonly occur in the shoulder, elbow, fingers, and kneecap (patella); a true knee dislocation is not as common, but is a VERY serious injury.

Sprain

Sprains are stretches or tears of ligaments, the bands of connective tissue that join the end of one bone with another. Sprains are caused by trauma such as a fall or blow that knocks a joint out of position. Sprains can range from first degree (minimally stretched ligament) to third degree (a complete tear). Areas of the body most vulnerable to sprains are ankles, knees, and wrists.

Strain

A strain is a twist, pull, or tear of a muscle or tendon (a cord of tissue connecting muscle to bone). Athletes who play contact sports can get strains, but they can also happen from repeating the same motion again and again. Like sprains, strains can range from a minor stretch to a partial or complete tear of a muscle or tendon. This is most common in muscle or tendons between two joints.  

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, a flexible band of fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. It often affects the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle. Tendinitis can be caused by a sudden injury, but it usually results from carrying out the same motion over and over. Tendons become less flexible as you age, so you are more likely to get tendinitis as you get older. 

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae (plural of “bursa”), small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between a bone and other moving parts, such as muscles, tendons, or skin. Bursitis can be caused by a one-time event like a blow or fall. It can also result from repeating the same motion many times, like throwing a ball, or from prolonged pressure, such as from kneeling on a hard surface or leaning on the elbows. It usually affects the shoulders, elbows, hips, or knees. 

Do I need insurance or money to see my athletic trainer at school?

Nope! Not at all, please make sure you see your athletic trainer if you have an injury.

I'm not sure I have insurance, how do I get it?

If you are not sure about your insurance, this is the website where you and your family can get insurance. If you need some help, please reach out. 

*Click Here: California Department of Healthcare Services*