Sports-related Accidents

Sports-related injuries can often be avoided

The benefits of healthy and safe exercise are indisputable. Versatile exercise and physical activity are proven to have positive impacts on both physical and mental health. However, physical activity also causes accidents and sports injuries. A sports injury may be caused by, for example, falling over, incorrect technique, inadequate equipment of or lighting in sports facilities, or a collision with another person. 

Sports-related injuries are often caused by lacking coordination. The majority of sports injuries are mild and heal well, but their long-term effects may be unfortunate. A sports injury may contribute to, for example, osteoarthritis that gets worse over time.

The amount of exercise and the type of sport affect the occurrence of sports injuries, along with attitudes and equipment. Football, floorball and jogging are the sports that cause the greatest number of sports-related accidents. Motorsports, orienteering, certain martial arts, skiing and snowboarding are also among the riskiest sports. The most common types of sports-related injuries affect knees, ankles or the back.

Versatile exercise prevents sports-related accidents

Good basic aerobic condition, sufficient muscle strength and coordination exercises are the basis of safe physical exercise. According to the UKK Institute’s physical activity recommendations, even light physical activity has researched health benefits. The more you move around and take breaks from being sedentary during the day, the better. In addition to moving around and taking breaks from being sedentary, a sufficient amount of restorative sleep is important for your overall health and well-being. Fatigue also increases your risk of sports-related accidents.

How to prevent sports-related accidents

• Be aware of the risks associated with the sport and exercise. 
• Observe the correct technique. 
• Increase the intensity of training moderately. 
• Obtain the basic skills and fitness required by the sport. 
• Improve your muscular strength and joint mobility, stretch and warm up your muscles and joints before training. 
• Cool down after exercising. 
• Take enough breaks to rest. 
• Treat previous injuries and let them heal before engaging in the sport again. 
• Avoid exercising when you are ill or under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants. 
• Avoid an aggressive play style. 
• Choose suitable and shock-absorbing footwear. 
• Wear appropriate equipment and guards, such as a helmet and safety goggles.