Global organizations such as WHO have gone above and beyond to minimize international inactivity levels at 21% among adults and 81% among adolescents. However, the world receives little information about potential risk injuries and infections within the sports industry. Doing regular exercises, visiting the gym, or taking a bike ride are good activities that solve physiological, cardiovascular, and mental illnesses.
According to Scientific American reports, about 10% of Olympians get hurt when participating in various competitions or training. Injuries, viral and bacterial infections create challenges for athletes worldwide. However, not only fans are interested in sports as gamblers are always on the lookout for betting options on Bookmaker Sportsbook and other reputable sites. It thus means that a health issue in sports will affect the athletes, fans, and gamblers. The following are most health issues for athletes:
Musculoskeletal injuries
They are the most popular and common sport-related injuries that occur when an athlete injures the musculoskeletal system. The system is composed of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, musculoskeletal injuries, and joints. The damage is a result of too many workouts using poor techniques. Injuries are said to occur at the elbow and wrist, especially in tennis players. In addition, the knee, ankle, groin, upper and lower limbs hip and shoulders injuries can cause musculoskeletal injuries. Severe muscle injuries can lead to nerve injury structural and functional damage. Doctors advise that players should pay attention to their bodies. When the body feels like stopping, it is crucial to obey and take a break. Athletes should also avoid straining themselves too much. When damage is already done, it is essential to elevate, rest and place some ice on the injured muscle.
Bacterial, Fungal, and viral infections
Moist surfaces offer perfect breeding spots for infections causing pathogens. Infection breeding grounds include sweat-drenched gym equipment, swimming pool decks, and locker room showers. Staphylococcus is a bacteria that thrives well on used locker rooms floors, showers, towels, sweaty cardio machines, and weights. The bacteria causes MRSA infection in other people. A large number of the world population is familiar with athletes’ foot which affects their physical activity. Physical active athletes tend to sweat a lot and fail to dry off their feet well. Trichophyton fungi begin to grow on their feet, causing Athlete’s foot. Failure to get treatment causes toenails, soles, itching, burning redness, and dry skin. On the other hand, viral infections follow the same path. Milestones in research on infections organisms have set their foot in manufacturing OTC antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal drugs.
Hyperthermia and hypothermia
When a patient’s body fails to regulate its temperature, it gets to a condition known as Hyperthermia. Victims are likely to sweat profusely, vomit, feel nausea, and be disoriented. Hyperthermia results from alcohol intake, intensive workouts, wearing unnecessary dark workout kits, and working out under the scorching sun. Severe injuries resulting from heatstroke can cause comas or even death. The best first aid is to take the patient a shade, loosen up their clothing, and give them cold fluids.
Hypothermia is the opposite of Hyperthermia. The body of a patient fails to generate heat naturally when working out in hypothermia cold conditions. Patients are moved to a warmer environment, dressed in warm clothes, and offering warm fluids.
Hyponatremia
Taking in more water than you lose during a competition causes a condition called Hyponatremia. I bet some of us didn’t know that taking in more water is a bad thing. The body loses excess sodium through sweat or urine, causing an electrolyte imbalance that results in headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, muscle cramps, coma, seizures, and even death. According to Jeffery Cline, MD, a sports medicine expert, signs of dehydration result from Hyponatremia. The physically active people need to use thirst as a guide and use plenty of fluids to maint hydration.
Zika Virus
It is a mosquito-borne virus that causes congenital disabilities and neurological problems. The condition is common in Brazil, and the country has tried to fight the virus since 2015. The virus has no remedy and threatens pregnant athletes who may pass the virus to the unborn child. However, a team of researchers in The University of Utah’s Carrie L. Byington, MD, is conducting serious research on the cure for the Zika virus. The National Institutes of Health-sponsored the research team to watch the potential Zika virus outbreak on athletes, coaches, and U.S Olympic staff that attended the 2016 Brazil summer Olympics and Paralympics. Catherine Y. Spong, MD, director at NICHD, stated that monitorization of health and reproductive outcomes of members of the U.S Olympic team offered a unique opportunity to answer questions, address the public on the health emergency.
Hyponatremia and musculoskeletal injuries are common issues that athletes face in their careers. Hypothermia and hyperthermia should not be ignored as severe cases result in coma or even death. Although there are noninvasive treatment options, the Zika virus remains the hard nut to crack in getting a remedy. However, with time we hope specialists will come with the right medicine.