Baseball is one such game which keeps people on their toes. Now that the regular season is going on and many players are in action, surely baseball injuries are prone to happen. These injuries can occur from the minor baseball league and can go as far as possible up to the major league.
So it is of utmost importance to know and understand about the most widely recognized injuries with the goal that you can spot them in yourself and get the correct treatment.
- Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears are exceptionally regular in baseball players, especially pitchers. The rotator cuff is basically a system of four muscles that meet up as ligaments to frame a cover around the top of the upper arm bone. The repetitive movements of the shoulder, for example, while baseball pitching, can make the ligaments wear out after some time, and bringing about a tear in the long run. These tears can cause unbearable pain in the region, especially when lying or performing movements such as lowering or lifting. The shoulder becomes feeble and some of the time, the players can experience a popping sensation while moving the arm.
- UCL Injury
The Ulnar Collateral Tendon (UCL) is another injury that baseball pitchers experience and go through. The UCL goes about as a stabilizer for the joint in the elbow, keeping it from twisting sideways. Usually, it results due to the redundant tossing movements. It can cause tenderness and agony on the inner part of the elbow joint, also the joint may likewise feel firm and stiff, making it hard to completely straighten the arm. Sometimes, due to the UCL injury shivering in the little and ring is experiences and the quality of the grip might get influenced. Though it is treated with the help of nonsurgical treatments if the instability remains, doctors may recommend a surgical procedure for the same.
- Knee Injuries (ACL and MCL)
Two of the tendons that assist in balancing out the knee are the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and the Medial collateral ligament (MCL). Injuries in the knees are pretty common and can happen while running from one base to another. It can happen when stopping suddenly while running or twisting the knee or landing on a flexed knee. These injuries are often sudden and cause excruciating pain and also a snapping or popping sensation. Swelling also can occur in case the ligaments tear apart and it may likewise be very difficult to put the weight on the knee. These can also be cured with the help of non-surgical procedures but in case the ligament is not repairable, surgery might be recommended by the doctors.
- Muscle Sprains and Strains
Other basic and common baseball injuries are strains and sprains and are the aftereffect of overuse. In this game, these strains and sprains are pretty regular in the back, arms and legs. In fact, the muscles or tendons can also get overstretched. The indications usually vary in light of the seriousness of the injury, however, may incorporate torment, muscle weakness and muscle spasms. There may likewise be a swelling, aggravation or bruising in the harmed region. Once in awhile these strains and sprains require medical procedure; except if the muscle or tendon is extremely torn, the injury can more often be treated with ice, pressure, elevation and rest.
- Spondylolysis
Pitching and swinging a slugger can put weight on the back of the player. This weight can result in a break to one or more of the vertebral column and such condition is known as spondylolysis. It generally feels like a muscle strain but the pain is all over the lower back region. Whenever left untreated, it can advance to a more harmful condition known as spondylolisthesis. As a rule of spondylolysis, physical therapy, rest, and medicines are, for the most part, that is required.
Tips to Avoid Injuries While Playing Baseball
- Always stretch yourself and warm up before playing
Regardless of whether it is only a training or a full-on game, playing with warm muscles puts you at a more advantageous position then your playmates. It surely reduces your chances of injuries. Go for a light jog or jumping jacks, and ensure that you stretch your muscles. Back, shoulders, hamstrings, are such muscles which are prone to injuries therefore these tight muscles must be stretched well.
- Wear the correct sporting gear
Players ought to have appropriately fitted shoes with spikes while playing baseball. The helmets are a must while batting and even while running bases or waiting. Catchers require defensive equipment as they have a high danger of being hit by the ball, and they must use the helmet, catcher’s mitt, throat guard, face mask, chest guard, and shin protectors. The players must ensure that the sporting gear fits accurately and in case it doesn’t fit well, it won’t be effective.
- Play on a safe ground
The playground ought to be free of trash, and must be even. There shouldn’t be any divots or holes in the playfield. Injuries can regularly happen from sliding and thus the players might need to think about utilizing breakaway bases. A conventional base is extremely unbending, making a snag for players while sliding into the base but the latest breakaway base will automatically get dislodges when a player slides into it thus decreasing the risk of injuries while sliding.
- Work on your method
The technique of playing can put you at a more serious danger of injury. Players ought not to slide until the point that they have taken in the right technique. Certain abilities ought to likewise be educated at a level which is appropriate to the age of the players for example, the players must not be permitted to slide if they are under 10 years of age.
- Setpoints of confinement to forestall muscle overuse injuries
The injuries which happen due to the overused muscles are especially common in baseball pitchers. Children, for the most part, are usually prone to these injuries. Parents must ensure that their kids are taking breaks while playing and also encourage them to play other games as well.
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