The cause of sports injuries
In order to avoid sports injuries we need to know what they are and how they happen. A sports injury can be any damage caused to a sportsperson whilst in action. This can include hyperthermia brought on by cold weather as well as broken bones and pulled muscles.

Sports injuries classifications
Sports injuries can be caused in different ways and there are three classifications for them
1) Accidental injuries (due to weather etc)
2) Overuse injuries
3) Chronic injuries

Accidental injuries
Accidental injuries are those that surprise us by happening when we least expect them. They can be caused by internal forces (from inside our body) and external (from outside our body).

Internal and External injuries
Internal forces: are those created when our body works during exercise. When we perform at our highest level, the extra strain on our body parts can cause damage. These injuries may be caused by not warming up, very sudden powerful movements or lack of skill.
External forces: come from outside the body, direct contact or violence. Also the environment can be a cause of injury.

Violence
Injuries caused by violence are due to direct contact between players or equipment. Collisions may result in fractures, dislocations, sprains bruises. Breaking the rules can lead to violence.

Injury Recovery
No matter what injury you sustain it will need time to heal. If you act quickly when you are first injured you can dramatically reduce the recovery time.

How To Do It - R I C E

R I C E is an acronym used by professionals to help treat most soft tissue injuries:

REST - Bleeding and further injury is reduced, Stop what you are doing
ICE - Pain, swelling and blood flow is reduced, Apply an ice pack for 10-15 minutes every hour
COMPRESSION - Bleeding and swelling internally is reduced, Firmly bandage the injured area, but not too tightly as you could stop the blood flow
ELEVATION - Swelling, throbbing and bleeding is reduced, Raise the injury above the heart

How NOT To Do It - H A R M

H A R M is the acronym used about things to avoid in the first 48 hours after injury:

HEAT - Internal bleeding is increased
ALCOHOL - Swelling is increased
RUN - Further injury will be caused by weight and impact
MASSAGE -Internal bleeding is increased