While certain sports injuries suffered by Olympic athletes stand out due to their severe nature, these are not the ones that occur most frequently. Compared to overuse injuries, broken collarbones and tibias are relatively rare among Games participants. Here is a look at some of the most common injuries suffered by Olympic athletes:

Shin Splints

Causing pain and sometimes swelling in the lower shin, shin splints are a common injury among athletes of all kinds , but particularly those who do a lot of running or jumping on hard surfaces. In the majority of these injuries, the cause is overuse that puts stress on the tibia, or shinbone. Other factors can also influence the development of shin splints, such as a change in running surface, new footwear, and flat feet.

Runners Knee

As its name suggests, runners knee is an issue that commonly develops in runners. However, it’s not unusual to see runners knee among athletes who have to bend their knees a great deal. This condition does not describe a particular injury but, instead, refers to several disorders that can result in knee pain. In many cases, runners knee is the result of overuse and irritation of the patellofemoral, or kneecap, joint. This condition can also occur as a result of trauma, overstretched tendons, malalignment, foot problems, and muscle imbalance.

Achilles Tendinitis

Located at the back of the ankle, the Achilles tendon attaches the muscles of the calf to the heel bone. When the tendon becomes inflamed, this results in a condition called Achilles tendinitis. However, the painful symptoms associated with Achilles tendinitis are actually the result of tiny tears in the tissue, which is referred to as Achilles tendinosis. Both of these conditions are common among runners and are typically the result of overuse.

If you’ve suffered a sports injury in Queens and need high-quality treatment, then look no further than Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine. We help athletes recover from a broad range of sports injuries to help them get back in the game. For more information about sports medicine, please call us at (347) 537-2404.