Occupational diseases of athletes, the most frequent "sports" diseases, causes and prevention

What are the dangers of excessive exercise? What injuries are most often sustained by professional athletes?

Let’s find out together with a master of sports in judo and a fitness trainer.

Professional sport is not about health. First of all, the result is important here, which is impossible to achieve without exhausting training. But there are two sides to every coin. For example, for gymnasts, many years of exercise turn out to be inflammation of the Achilles tendon. And runners face tendon damage in the foot and frequent fractures.

fitness trainer, nutritionist.

Professional athletes are susceptible to psycho-emotional effects, especially during periods of competition and preparation. For example, boxers suffer eye and hearing damage, tennis players face sprains and strains, and cyclists face knee injuries, cramps, and even heart abnormalities.

This is especially true for those who resort to anabolic steroids and other drugs to improve performance. Such athletes are subject not only to injuries and mental changes, but also to the strongest disturbance of the hormonal background – it is often never restored even after the end of the career.

master of sports in judo

Any recovery up to two months has no effect on a professional career, unless, of course, the athlete is preparing for serious competitions. A professional athlete can significantly lose form if recovery is prolonged for a year. This is the period after which it is hard to get back in shape. It is normal to be out of full training for a couple of months.

Sometimes it even benefits the athlete. During this time he can reflect on everything and reboot.

According to the master of sports in judo, most often athletes suffer from knees – this part of the body is probably one of the most problematic in the body. But thanks to modern treatment methods, even such consequences can be dealt with. Previously, an unfortunate landing could cause the meniscus to fly out, and it was possible to start training only six months after surgery, and to perform in competitions – at least a year later. Now this period has been reduced to 1-2 months.

What diseases are common among professional athletes?

Fitness coach says that almost every sport has its own professional diseases, which are almost impossible to avoid. Let’s break down some of them.

Diseases of swimmers

Shoulder tendinitis, or “swimmer’s shoulder,” is inflammation and degeneration of the tendons around the shoulder joint. It can cause tears. Often occurs due to too much daily exercise without proper recovery.
Inflammation of the knee joint, or “swimmer’s knee” – most often occurs in breaststrokers.
Otitis externa – inflammation or irritation of the ear.
Conjunctivitis – occurs due to frequent water entering the eyes and irritating them.
Fungal diseases and dermatitis.

Runner’s Knee Diseases

“Runner’s knee” – inflammation of the knee cartilage. It is felt as a severe pain in the kneecap and can get worse when running downhill. Prevention requires stretching the hip flexor muscles and strengthening the gluteal muscles.
Inflammation of the periosteum (the tissue that surrounds the bone from the outside) – occurs due to a sudden increase in load, excess weight and lack of calcium in the body. To avoid this, you should build up your pace smoothly and choose comfortable shoes.
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon (located near the heel) – more often formed due to weakness of the calf muscles, as well as movement on an inclined surface.
Injuries to the tendons of the foot, plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the ligament that supports the arch of the foot and connects the heel to the toes) – this part of the body is the main load for runners.
Stress fractures, which cause imperceptible cracks to form at first and grow larger as the load increases.

Diseases of gymnasts

Wrist sprain or wrist fracture – occurs due to heavy strain on the hands during exercise.
Osgood-Schlatter disease – a frequent disease of young female athletes, associated with inflammation of the growth plates in the knees and heels. The main cause is performing difficult elements with bones not yet hardened at the time of their growth.
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon (located near the heel) – develops as a result of excessive loads over many years.
Injuries to the lower back, spine.

Diseases of soccer players

Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee – one of the most common injuries in soccer. The cause is an unfortunate landing, a blow to the knee or a sudden change of movement.
Ankle injuries – also occur from a bad landing or a blow to this area.
Ligament injuries – can occur with a sudden change of position or impact.
Groin injuries – can be caused by poor warm-up and insufficient warm-up of the muscles.
Injuries to the front and back of the thigh – like groin injuries, these are often caused by insufficient warm-up.

While playing sports is not without injury, it is possible to minimize the number of injuries. Follow these few rules.

Before you start any sport, consult your doctor. Especially in the presence of chronic diseases.
Before any workout, a good warm-up is necessary, and after it – warming up. Do not forget about them.
Properly dose the loads – they should be appropriate to your physical fitness. Increase them gradually.
Don’t forget that after training your body needs sleep, good nutrition and time to recover.
To avoid injuries, contact a professional trainer – he will correctly select the load, show you the correct technique for performing exercises and teach you how to work on exercise equipment.
Be sure to choose a quality uniform, shoes and use only equipment that is in good working order.