There are risks of injuries that come with every sport, but some injuries are more common than others. Some injuries are just an occupational hazard but athletes who are able to recognize various symptoms as soon as they are experienced are in a better position to take the necessary steps to prevent injuries from becoming devastating. Competitive athletes may move in the wrong way, trip and fall or have sudden contact with other athletes which result in injuries. Here are five injuries that most athletes have had.

1. Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon is the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the back of the lower leg to the heel bone. It is the largest tendon in the human body and helps to lift the heel. Achilles tendinitis is the overuse of this tendon which frequently affects runners who abruptly increase the length of their runs or the intensity. This injury can also be triggered by frequent jumping and excessive heel rotation. As such, volleyballers, basketballers, high jumpers and long jumpers are vulnerable to this injury.

2. Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries, although you do not need to be an athlete to sustain a sprain. It is an injury to the ligaments which is a band of tissue that links the bones and helps to stabilize the ankle. The ligaments on the sides of the ankle might stretch or tear if there is a sudden twist or a roll to the ankle. Such an injury causes pain and swelling. Depending on the severity, one may find it difficult to walk. Pre-workout stretches and proper warm-ups may prevent sprains.

3. Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons in the forearm muscle that connects the muscles with the bones of the elbow. Lateral epicondylitis is a condition that causes discomfort and pain around the outside of the elbow. It occurs as a result of repetitive motion or overuse of the forearm muscles close to the elbow joint. Medial epicondylitis causes pain on the inside of the elbow. This is experienced not only by tennis players as the same name may suggest, but by golfers and baseball pitchers who are repeatedly required to turn their wrists. There are several practices such as proper positioning of the body that can help prevent this injury.

4. Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement happens when the acromion, which is the upper outer edge of the shoulder blade, pushes on or pinches the rotator cuff beneath it resulting in discomfort or pain. The rotator cuff is used to help raise the arm overhead as well as to rotate the arm towards and away from the body. Since the arm is typically used in an overhead posture during sports like tennis, weight training, swimming, softball and volleyball, the shoulder joints are subjected to significant stress. Injuries like falls directly on the shoulder or on an outstretched arm can also cause shoulder impingement.

5. Back Pain

Almost every sporting activity puts some level of stress on the back and spinal column. This stress may build up overtime into inflammation around the vertebrae and back muscles, which can cause damage to the discs and result in upper or lower back discomfort. Occasionally, a sudden, jarring hit can also seriously hurt the back. Athletes are encouraged to engage in exercises that will strengthen back muscles and keep them flexible in an effort to reduce the risk of back pain and injury.