Sports are physical activities and competitive games that require the participants to use considerable physical strength. These satisfy the need for physical activity, sport and competition in humans. Almost all sports are competitive. This is the main difference between leisure, recreation or sports. Leisure activities are typically social and involve enjoyment, socialization and relaxation whereas sports involve competition, attempt, skill and a physical exertion.
The field of sports medicine deals with the diseases and disorders that are related to sports activities. Sports Medicine includes all the sciences which are associated with sports. Apart from medical science sports medicine includes study of the anthropology, biochemistry, ethology, physiology, pathology, training and development, psychology and medical equipment and tactics.
Injuries are one of the most common problems faced by sports persons and sports medicine is concerned with treating sports injuries. Sports injuries are usually caused due to the work place or playing sports with excessive speed or any other strenuous activity. In sports like skiing, ice skating, motor biking, weightlifting, cricket, soccer, rugby, soccer, tennis and American football, sports injuries can occur. Sports injuries treatment includes medical care, rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Sportspersons can develop strains, ligaments and bones if they participate in contact sports. Most sports injuries can be treated through rest, ice or physical therapy.
Physiotherapy is a part of sports medicine. It aims at recovering, maintaining or improving physical fitness. Patients who have sports injuries can undergo physiotherapy to recover their normal activities. Physiotherapy includes manual resistance training, weight training, stretching, aerobic and strength training and body building. Physiotherapists can prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, corticosteroids, hormone regulators and immune modulators.
The importance of prevention is more important than cure when it comes to treating sports-related injuries. Preventive care requires regular evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of injuries. Sports medicine provides guidance and advice to athletes and sports persons concerning injury prevention and injury treatment. Prevention of sports-related injuries includes physical conditioning, thorough warm-ups before and after training and sports-specific stretching for muscles, ligaments and joints, and avoiding repetitive motion that increases the risk of injury.
Common sporting injuries include sprains, strains, ligament tears, contusions, fractures, dislocations and ankle injuries. Treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation of the leg and body, use of anti-inflammatory medication and analgesia. Rest and immobilization for injured sportspersons is also recommended. Athletes should ensure that they remain fit and healthy by practicing good sportsmanship. As well as following good sportsmanship, athletes should also ensure that they engage in regular sports medicine care so that the possibility of sports-related injury does not compromise their normal and active lifestyle.