Injuries
are commonplace in sports. While most of them are simple sprains and concussions,
there are several injuries that every athlete dreads. What are those? Here are
some of the most common serious sports injuries.
Torn ACL
The
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of four major knee ligaments that hold the
knee joint together. Massive force exerted into the knees when quickly changing
directions – such as in football or basketball – may tear the ACL. This is characterized
by a “pop”, and the knee giving way. Once you suffer this injury, you are most
likely done for the season, and could possibly sit things out a year or so – just
ask Derrick Rose.
Severe Concussion
Common
in contact sports like boxing or MMA, severe blows to critical body regions like
the head can lead to serious complications (e.g. impaired vision, memory, and motor
function).
Torn Ulnar Collateral Ligament
Baseball
pitchers and tennis players are at a particular risk of tearing their UCL. The UCL
is much like the ACL, but it is basically one of the ligaments that hold the
elbow joint together. Heavy use of the joint can cause the ligament to stretch,
fray, and tear due to the strain.
Fractured Vertebrae
This
is probably the worst of all, mainly because it is directly related to the
spinal cord – a vital component of one’s nervous system. Fracturing a vertebra can
essentially paralyze an athlete on a specific part of the body, potentially
ending his career once and for all.