Plenty of sports fall under this category and with them comes risks to your health. So what are contact sports and what risks may come from them?
Main types of contact sports
Some of the main sports that are contact sports are rugby, football and boxing. Martial arts are also considered contact sports, so that includes judo, karate, taekwondo and others. Wrestling is also a contact sport.
There is a subcategory within contact sports called collision sports. This specifically refers to activities where a player purposely collides or hits another. This would cover sports such as boxing, lacrosse and ice hockey.
What are the main risks of contact sports?
Head injuries
When you think about contact sports you may think about head injuries. This is because, in certain sports such as rugby, they are common. Concussions are usually not a reason for concern, but if the symptoms continue then they can be a sign of a more serious brain injury.
More than 200 former rugby union players are currently in the process of legal action against three governing bodies, claiming that they were not reasonably protected from brain injuries during their careers. Subsequently, many of these players are now suffering from neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and early-onset dementia.
Broken bones
Broken bones can occur in everyday life, but they can also occur more frequently in sports. Activities where you have to tackle or wrestle other players can result in broken bones. Broken bones as a result of a sudden impact are common, but stress fractures can also occur in sports.
Boxing punches can cause stress fractures as the athlete is repeatedly doing the same movement with a repetitive force. This can also be caused by overuse where someone is training more for a big game or match.
Ligament and tendon injuries
Ligament and tendon issues can range from minor to severe. Injuries such as sprains usually go away on their own with rest being the most effective treatment. More severe injuries such as Anterior Cruciate Ligament sprains can require surgical intervention. The recovery period from this can stretch into a few months which will have a significant impact on an athlete’s health.
Ligament and tendon injuries are common injuries in football where tackling can knock someone off sideways, causing the knee to bend unnaturally. Ankle injuries occur regularly as well but they are usually minor such as a twisted ankle.
If you have suffered an injury whilst practicing a contact sport then you may be entitled to compensation. Speak to a specialist injury solicitor for their advice.
Sports are great for you to help keep your body moving and healthy. However, there is a risk of injury with contact sports so make sure you are taking any necessary precautions before you play.
