Everyday Sports Injuries

Book excerpt: More people than ever before are regularly taking part in recreational sports, often gaining enormous health benefits from their chosen activity. But sports also carry the risk of injury, and each year there are millions of injuries as a result of physical activity in the US alone. Sports Injuries is a practical guide to recognizing, treating, and preventing injury, with the goal of getting the sportsperson back in action as soon as possible. Sports Injuries starts with tips and advice on preparing for sports to reduce the risk of injury. Many of the most popular sports-from snowboarding and surfing to soccer and tennis-are highlighted in a directory that pinpoints areas of the body most at risk of injury, and how to minimize the risks. The injuries section is a practical guide to the recognition, prevention, and treatment of sports injuries. Organized anatomically, each injury is described along with the causes and symptoms. There is instant advice on first aid, along with practical recovery programs for each injury. Clear cross-references take the reader to a step-by-step exercise section at the end of the book. This section details 150 routines that will help people return to their sporting activity as soon as possible.