Common Sports Injuries We See From Track, Baseball, & Soccer in Kansas City

Our sports chiropractors and physical therapists at F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic have seen a lot of sports-related injuries, which is why sports prevention medicine is so important. As springtime rolls around, more and more athletics are preparing for the spring sports season. 

A great way to avoid injuries is to know what to look for. Here are common sports injuries we’ve seen at our Kansas City clinics as a result of playing track, baseball, or soccer. 

Common track & field injuries

Runner’s knee

Runner’s knee is marked by pain in front and behind your patella (kneecap). More common in women, it’s usually caused by some kind of soft tissue irritation or worn cartilage. The kneecap may also rub on one side of the knee joint. 

Learn more on how to train for a spring race. 

Ankle fractures

Ankle fractures may happen to track athletes who run either long distance or short distance races. They’re also a common sports injuries for pole vaulters and long jumpers. Often they’re caused by improper balance or landing issues. 

Hamstring strains

Since the hamstrings play a huge role in track & field, many athletes find themselves with a hamstring strain. Also known as a “pulled hamstring,” the main cause of a strain is muscle overload, meaning the muscle is stretched beyond capacity or hit with a sudden load (especially happens when sprinting). A hamstring strain can either be a pull, partial tear, or a complete tear. 

Common baseball injuries

“Thrower’s elbow”

Thrower’s elbow, also known as epicondylitis, happens when pain strikes the inside of your elbow. The pain tends to be gradual over time due to overuse. It’s most common in pitchers who throw too hard or use improper form. 

Read more on how to prevent a throwing injury.

Spondylolysis

Both pitching and swinging a bat can lead to spondylolysis, which is back pressure due to a fractured vertebrae. Spondylolyis may feel similar to a muscle strain where pain spreads to the lower back. 

Rotator cuff injuries

Just like with track & field, some baseball players may suffer from a rotator cuff injury, especially pitchers. Repetitive throwing without proper rest and strength training can cause the rotator cuff to wear down over time. 

Common soccer injuries

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprains

Your ACL is a crucial knee ligament that helps with joint stabilization. It connects your femur (large thigh bone) to your tibia (shin bone). A direct kick to the knee or impact from the ball, sudden change in movement, or twisting and pivoting can cause the ACL to tear. 

Concussion

Since soccer players don’t wear helmets, it may be possible to get a head injury or concussion. Impact from another player, the goal, the ball, or even heading the ball improperly can lead to a concussion. 

Strains and sprains

Strains and sprains, especially in the lower extremities, are common for soccer players and athletes in general. Knee and ankle strains can arise from abrupt stopping or changing direction. 

How to avoid common sports injuries with F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic

In general, if you want to avoid injuries, it’s best to: 

• Take your time
• Don’t overexert or over train
• Stretch before and after training/games
• Incorporate strength training
• Drink plenty of water
• Incorporate professional preventative sports care

If you’re an athlete in the Kansas City area, our expert team can help you avoid common sports injuries to keep you on the field this spring. And if you’ve already developed one of the conditions or injuries listed above, know that we can help get you back on the field or track the right way.

We focus on each of our patients, ensuring that we don’t rush the process. Our chiropractic sports medicine services help to prevent injuries, improve performance, and rehabilitate current injuries. 

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