Long-Term Injury

There are many achievements and rewards associated with participating in sports and regular workouts. However, sports-related injuries are an unfortunate consequence that’s often unavoidable. Even though you might not get a direct injury, the effects of regular wear and tear add up throughout the years. Excess strain on joints and muscles often lead to torn ligaments and stress fractures.

These injuries not only cause a lot of pain and put a damper on the active lifestyle of an athlete, but they can also have lasting effects. The long-term implication can linger for years even after the injury has healed. Some injuries can also lead to serious health issues later on in life.

Here are some common lasting health problems that are caused by sports injuries.

Cognitive Decline

Concussions are a normal part of contact sports. A concussion is caused when a direct hard hit to the head causes the brain to slam into the skull. This results in traumatic injury, which causes the brain to swell. Even after a concussion has healed, some brain damage can remain unnoticed.

According to a study, athletes who have suffered from concussions are more likely to have cognitive defects as they age. They’re also at a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases, mild cognitive impairments, or diminished cognitive functioning. Repetitive neurotrauma during sports can result in permanent brain damage.

Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of joints in the body. It occurs when the slick protective cushioning surface around the joints wears down causing them to become stiff and swollen. Arthritis tends to get worse with age and decreases mobility as it progresses.

Sports injuries that occur on the field such as torn ligaments or cartilage can increase the chances of arthritis among athletes. If a person does suffer any such injury, the best thing to do is to avoid strenuous activity until the injury is fully healed. This can reduce the risks associated with arthritis and other joint problems.

Bone Deformity

Child and pre-teen athletes are still going through their growth phases. Their bones and muscles are under the process of forming and growing. If they sustain an injury that affects the area where new bone cells grow, it may prevent the bones from forming properly. An improperly healed injury can lead to bone deformity, which may take a crooked appearance of a protruding bone from the affected area. Not only will this affect the appearance of the area as the child grows, but it can also lead to additional issues such as breathing problems, in case of a broken nose, or crooked finger.