Serious sports injuries, such as a severe head injury or an injury that causes a major loss of function or amputation of a limb, are not like simple injuries. Many serious sports injuries are on a completely different level. They may never heal and often reduce or eliminate brain and motor functions, physical abilities and the overall enjoyment of life.
Tendinosis
Tendinosis is one result of failed healing. Any runner who has suffered an Achilles tendon injury that takes an unbearably long time to heal is familiar with this condition. It is common of for injuries such as these never to heal normally. Often, the cause is an insufficient inflammatory response during the early healing phases.
During the remodeling phase, lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils rush to the site of the injury to clear out any debris and ensure the damaged tissue is prepared for bridgework over torn fibers.
When the remodeling stage occurs without this important preliminary step, debris remains in the scar tissue, resulting in weakened structures. Using an electron microscope, these unconnected collagen strands and chemical remnants show a lack of proper tendon structure.
Weakened tissue is not desirable and it places excessive demands on healthier areas of the tendon. The result is a type of structural virus, which leads to more of the tendon becoming compromised.
Sprains
The time needed to recover from a sprain may vary, depending on the health and age of the person injured as well as the severity of the sprain. If a healthy person experiences a minor sprain, it may take only a few days or a few weeks to heal. A severe sprain may take several months to heal. Some severe sprains may never heal completely, which results in long-term pain, instability of the joint, limited movement, deformity and repeated injuries.
While some injuries make the casual sports fan laugh in amusement, there are some injuries that cost a player the entire season. In addition, there are injuries that never seem to heal and will always impair the performance of some of the best players. In baseball, a shoulder injury could bench a hitter for life and the same is true for a pitcher with an elbow injury.
It is important, no matter what type of sports injury you sustain, to seek medical attention immediately. It is crucial to have the injury assessed and treated properly. Do not try to continue playing if you suspect an injury has occurred. Even though an injury may not seem severe at first, continuing to play can lead to serious irreparable damage.
When a sports injury occurs, be sure to talk with your health care provider about returning to the game. He or she will be able to offer you advice and treat your injury properly, giving you the best chance to heal from a severe sports injury.
Dena White, is an online blogger who writes on finding the right program for a masters in public health.