The price of victory: a trauma doctor named the top 5 most dangerous sports

traumatologist-orthopedic surgeon, doctor of physical therapy and sports medicine at the Federal Medical Center of FMBA of Russia

“Exercise is an effective way to promote health and improve physical performance. However, some of its types, in addition to the benefits, carry danger.”

Sports with high risk for its participants have several typical features: physical intensity, technical complexity of performing elements, extreme environment in which competitions or training takes place.

We will tell you about the most dangerous types of physical activity for health, requiring a high level of training, skills and psychological strength, long-term training and the use of specialized equipment.

What we’ll tell you about

Popular sports with high injury rates

The biggest dangers of professional sports are injury or even death. Accidents can happen regardless of the quality of the equipment used. It is important for people who have associated their lives with high-risk sports to take the proper precautions to ensure their safety.

In order to minimize the risk of injury, you should constantly improve your fitness level, have sound theoretical knowledge and practical skills, use proven equipment, and take into account the weather conditions when training.

The risk of injury is highest in sports such as alpine skiing and snowboarding, motorcycling, mountaineering, surfing and diving, and wrestling.

Alpine skiing and snowboarding

Skiing or snowboarding down snowy slopes is dangerous because the athlete is in an upright position. Therefore, about 30% of injuries are skeletal injuries. Fractures of the tibia above the level of the boot are the most common. The remaining 70% of injuries involve soft tissue. Falls occur not only during downhill skiing, but also when losing traction on the elevator.

Skiing is also associated with the risk of knee and shoulder injuries, while snowboarders often suffer head injuries or wrist fractures. In the event of a quick maneuver or hard landing, athletes may not always immediately realize the severity of the injuries, leading to complications.

Motocross and extreme motorcycling

These sports are characterized by high stress on the body. A professional motorcycle racer can lose up to 5 kg of weight in one race. High speed is always associated with the risk of injury. The most common injuries are fractures of the clavicle, wrist and ankles, ruptures of the cruciate ligament of the knee, and dislocations of the shoulder joints. In addition, motorcyclists are subjected to severe overloads on curves (tight turns).

Mountaineering and rock climbing

Mountaineering and rock climbing combine hazards such as climbing to extreme heights and harsh environmental climates. In mountaineering climbing, athletes face high winds, rain, fog, snow and ice, and sudden changes in weather.

These can cause injuries. The most common of these is a sprain of the A2 annular ligament located in the area of the ring and middle fingers. It can lead to a complete tear. The tendon flexor apparatus of the hand and collateral ligaments are also at risk.

Surfing and diving

Surfing and diving athletes face the dangers of the water and sometimes predators. High waves and strong currents can pound them to the bottom and cause serious injuries. Among them the most common are cuts, scratches, abrasions, skin and soft tissue tears.

Fractures, concussions and other head injuries, eye injuries, sprains, dislocations and contusions are not uncommon. Diving in underwater caves is especially dangerous. This sport requires not only physical, but also psychological preparation.

Boxing and mixed martial arts

These are contact sports that involve getting fractures, abrasions, sprains and strains. One of the most serious injuries is concussion. Blows to the head have an accumulative effect, but in some cases, a single fall is enough to cause a fatal injury. Boxers sustain injuries to the face, teeth, nose fractures, arm and leg injuries during a fight.

Factors affecting the dangers of playing sports

Depending on the sport, it is possible to distinguish the factors that affect its level of danger. First and foremost are the extreme conditions in which participants train and compete. The height of mountain peaks, the depth of the ocean, the strength of the waves, a sudden change in the weather are frequent causes of injury, which a person can not influence. Contact with other competitors and high speed are dangerous. For example, during motorcycle racing, both of these factors can lead to an accident.

These high-risk sports are often the cause of injuries. In addition to taking the athlete out of the training schedule and missing competitions for the duration of treatment, many injuries can lead to severe consequences in the future.

Safety precautions in dangerous sports

Taking great risks requires seriousness and responsibility. To reduce injury rates, participants should keep safety measures in mind. First of all, it is necessary to use quality equipment, do not neglect protective equipment and insurance. Education and professional training is an important component of safe sport.

Knowledge of the laws of physics, understanding the peculiarities of currents, taking into account the physical state under stress helps to preserve life and health in a critical situation. Every athlete must follow a training schedule to maintain and improve their form.

Equally important are regular medical examinations, which allow early detection of disorders in the work of the body and prevent tragedy.

High-risk sports, although dangerous, are attracting more and more people. It provides an adrenaline rush, which is difficult to get in ordinary life. However, excitement should not dull the sense of self-preservation. You should recognize the possible risks and take all measures to avoid injury.