Most Common Shoulder, Hip, and Knee Injuries

Athletes of all kinds are susceptible to injuries. No matter how safely you train, an accident might be just around the corner.

No one wants to get hurt; however, knowing what injuries you are susceptible to, how to identify them and how long you might be out for can be helpful.  The team at Biddulph, Huntsman & Dalling Orthopedic Surgery, the top-rated orthopedic surgeons in Idaho Falls, created the following list of the three most common injuries of the shoulder, hip and knee.

Shoulder

    Rotator Cuff Tear – This injury is common among those who compete in throwing and racket sports. This strain is a tear in one or all of the four rotator cuff muscles. Symptoms of a tear might include dull, achy pain, weakness and locking or catching in the shoulder, and depending on severity, you might be out for several months. Physical therapy will greatly help the recovery process.

Dislocated shoulder –

 This injury is common among athletes that participate in contact sports, and it is most often caused by a fall or heavy impact to the shoulder. Symptoms include a misshapen joint, sudden, intense pain, popping noises. To treat a dislocation, your doctor might pop your shoulder back into place and prescribe rest, ice and heat and an over-the-counter medication.  
    
AC joint separation – 

This injury occurs when someone falls on their outstretched arm. When this happens, the individual might sprain the ligament holding the acromioclavicular joint near the top of the shoulder. Symptoms of this injury often include pain at the end of the collar bone, swelling on the top of the shoulder and a visible lump. To help heal, you might consider proper taping around the joint.

Hip
   
Hip Flexor strain – 

This injury is common for those in kicking sports. If you have been affected, the most common symptoms might include sudden pain near the front of the hip, pain during stretching or other movements. The best way to recover is to gently stretch your hip flexor and ice the affected area regularly.
    
Labral Tear of hip joint – 

This injury is often caused by a collision or heavy impact to the hip, which causes the cartilage that cushions the hip joint to tear. Common symptoms of this injury include pain in the hip and groin, locking/clicking during movement. To fully recovery from this surgery, individuals often require surgery.
    
Synovitis of the hip – 

This condition is often the companion of another hip injury. Some of the symptoms related to Synovitis might include difficulty walking and pain when resting. To best treat this condition, follow through with treatment for the original injury and speak with your doctor about any anti-inflammatory medications that might help.

Knee

    
Fractures – 

Fractures are caused by high-impact trauma or collisions. One common fracture in sports is a broken patella; however, the femur and tibia can also fracture. Symptoms of a fracture on or near the knee might include excessive bruising and loss in knee mobility. A fracture might require surgery, but in most cases, rest, medication and rehabilitation are enough to help an individual recover.
    

Dislocation – 

During a knee-to-knee collision, an individual’s knee might become dislocated. This common injury might cause joint deformity, swelling and loss of mobility. In most cases, your doctor will put the joint back in place and work with you to ensure a proper recovery
    

ACL Injuries – 

ACL tears can happen at any time when a sudden change of direction occurs. With this injury, a surgery is usually required and the recovery process might take several months, which will physical therapy.

Most Common Injuries

Whenever you exercise, there is a risk of injury; however, there are steps you can take to prevent some major issues. If you need help, check out this article on how you can exercise the proper way and other tips and tricks on Healthy Factor.