Athletics

Introduction
Athletics is a broad category of sports that includes track and field events, such as running, jumping, and throwing. While athletics promotes physical fitness and improves performance, it also places athletes at risk for injuries due to the intensity and repetitive nature of these activities.

Common Injuries

1. Sprains and Strains: Common in running events, these injuries occur when muscles or ligaments are overstretched or torn, particularly in the hamstrings, calves, or ankles.
2. Shin Splints: Pain along the shinbone caused by repetitive running, especially on hard surfaces, or improper footwear.
3. Knee Injuries: Includes conditions like patellar tendinitis, runner’s knee, or ligament injuries (ACL/PCL) from sudden stops or changes in direction.
4. Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon due to repetitive running or jumping.
5. Stress Fractures: Small cracks in bones, often in the shin or foot, caused by repetitive impact during running or jumping.
6. Lower Back Pain: Strains or disc injuries due to improper posture or overuse, particularly in throwing events or sprints.
7. Hamstring Injuries: Tears or strains of the hamstring muscles due to overstretching during sprinting or jumping.

Causes

1. Repetitive movements, improper technique, overtraining, inadequate warm-up or cool-down, poor footwear, or insufficient rest between training sessions.

Prevention

1. Proper warm-up and cool-down, stretching and flexibility exercises, strength training to prevent muscle imbalances, and using appropriate footwear.
2. Gradual increase in training intensity and distance to prevent overuse injuries.

Treatment

1. Rest & Ice: For reducing inflammation and providing relief from pain.
2. Physiotherapy: Strengthening exercises, flexibility training, and sports-specific rehabilitation to aid recovery and prevent re-injury.
3. Medication: NSAIDs for pain relief and inflammation reduction.
4. Compression & Elevation: For managing swelling and pain, particularly in cases of sprains or strains.
5. Surgery: In severe cases, such as for ligament tears or fractures.
6. Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises to restore function, strength, and mobility, allowing for a safe return to training and competition.