Injuries: Keeping Safe

Baseball/softball injuries are generally defined as either cumulative or acute (traumatic) injuries. Cumulative injuries occur over time due to stress on the muscles, joints and soft tissues without proper time for healing. They begin as a small,ache or pain, and can grow into a harmful injury if they aren't treated early. Acute injuries occur because of a sudden force, or impact, and can be quite dramatic. The most common injuries among players are within their shoulders, elbow, wrist and hand, and the knee. Such things as a torn rotator cuff, tendinitis, bursitis, and torn ACL or MCL. Ligament injuries to the knee are very common in sports that require stopping and starting or quickly changing directions. These extreme forces on the knee can result in torn ligaments.
Also blisters, sprains or strains, and stress factors can occur while playing this sport. Many safety precautions are recommended to help prevent injuries such as warm up thoroughly prior to play, use good technique, stay hydrated, and get adequate recovery if possible.
Like in any sport, injuries are always possible. Any physical activity played could be harmful in some way. There are a number of precautions you can take to prevent someone from getting hurt while playing. Softball is no different. A ball flying in the air at great speed could be dangerous. If you are being careful and safe at all times, you are more likely to keep unharmed. It is the risk factor of causing injuries you need to be aware of. Taking risks, keeping safe and having fun is the moral of the game.