When playing sports, people should know that there is always a risk involved. No matter what sport one plays, there is always a risk for injury.

In school, it has become common to see people with casts, braces, concussions or crutches due to a sports injury. According to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), high school athletes account for two million injuries, 500,000 doctor’s visits and 30 thousand hospitalizations every single year.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says that the most common injuries can be categorized as an acute injury, caused by sudden trauma or an overuse injury, sustained from a repeated action. The most common acute injuries are concussions, growth plate injuries, sprains, strains, fractures and contusions.

Along with physical injuries, there is also worry that comes with it. Senior Alexa Schwab has a displaced fracture of the fifth metatarsal; this is also known as a Jones fracture. She obtained the injury while running during a preseason game.

The recovery time for this injury is different for everyone. Schwab was told her recovery was approximately six to eight weeks before she underwent surgery. After eight weeks, she still has a month left in a walking boot. She is only allowed to put light weight on her foot.

Due to her extended recovery, she was unable to play during the soccer season of her senior year. It’s hard for athletes to hear that their injuries will cause them to miss the season, or even a few games.

“It was difficult to accept that my senior year of soccer was not a possibility, and that I will always be just shy of reaching 100 goals. I’m dealing with it day to day, and I am there to support my team in their playoff run,” Schwab said.

However, Schwab is not the only on the the girls’ soccer team who is out due to injury this season. Senior Nicole Wright tore her ACL of her left knee.

“It happened when I was playing spring soccer. I turned when I was standing and my knee popped,” Wright said. She has also sprained her ankle while playing soccer before.

Wright is currently on crutches and will have to go to physical therapy for at least six months.

Junior Michael Muron also sustained an injury during the Sept. 9 football game against New Brighton. He tore his ACL and part of his meniscus in his left knee.

“In the last 50 seconds of [the game], I went to go make a tackle and planted my leg and it gave out,” Muron said.
His recovery time is eight to 10 months. He has been playing football for 12 years and this is his first major injury playing the game.

The most common injury with a long-term effect on the player’s body is an overuse injury. While in their prime, young people subject their bodies to rough, wear and tear sports. Sports such as football, soccer, volleyball, tennis, baseball, badminton, rugby and softball are most commonly responsible for health problems later in an athlete’s life.

People, especially students, always take a risk when they sign up to play a sport, whether it be for their school or a recreational league. The risk of getting injured increases as people get older. Injuries can happen in any sport at any age and the severity of the injury varies depending on the circumstances.