Sports injuries are divided into two broad categories: acute and chronic injuries. Acute injuries occur immediately after an aggravating incident, for example, sprains and dislocations. Chronic injuries result from overuse and develop gradually over time. They include stress fractures, tendinitis as well as ligament strains. Injuries resulting from sports or exercises are very common and affect both competitive athletes and recreational sportsmen.

Besides sprains of the neck and back, people who play racquet ball games such as tennis, badminton, or squash are prone to shoulder (rotator cuff) injuries, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), or knee pain (patella tendinitis). Basketball or volleyball players who jump excessively develop injuries of the knee and ankle, e.g., patella tendinitis and Achilles tendinitis. Football players are prone to hamstring and adductor strains, anterior cruciate ligament tears, meniscus tears as well as ankle sprains.

Early recognition of the condition is important. Resting and icing the painful area helps. You should not return to play without proper assessment by a doctor as incomplete healing can develop into a chronic pain condition. Appropriate rehabilitation through addressing biomechanics, progressive muscle/tendon loading, and maintain general aerobic condition are important before returning to sports. The secondary aim is also to prevent re-injury.