Internally, sudden and strenuous movements can tear or strain muscles inside the body (where the body cannot cope with it, it causes injury); this is also done through overuse. Overuse injuries can be caused a part of the body again and again, through stress placed on a particular part of the body. Another way is when a condition is left untreated- this is known as chronic injury. This is where injuries are not treated or given enough time to heal, this can lead to arthritis.
External injuries are due to either impact- such as a tackle, collision, punch and kicks, and cause things like bruises, sprains, fractures and dislocations. They can also be due to the environment such as in very hot or cold conditions. Heat can causes dehydration and cold can cause hypothermia. Internally, very sudden or powerful movements can tear or strain muscles and tendons.
I have only ever had one major injury, where I hit my heads falling of a wall and had to get stitches in, but it is not sport related. But I have had several minor injuries while playing sport such as cuts, bruises and abrasions while playing football and have not really been injured in any other sport.
There are several ways in which you can prevent injury. You could asses and calculate the risk which will tell you the chances of injuring yourself. Another way to minimize risk would be to use proper equipment, wear correct clothing, play by the rules, warm up and cool down. Playing by the rules will help prevent injuring your self and others. Rules are designed to protect people while they play and to keep things fair, also a referee will make sure the environment is safe and insist on fair play. Equipment is also an essential part of preventing injury; the right protective clothing must be worn to reduce the chance of injury. For example in boxing, boxing gloves must be worn to ensure that your opponent is not too badly hurt. Correct clothing should also be worn such as the shoes must fit correctly. And finally warming up will loosen and warm up the muscles to play, if this is not done you are at risk of straining or pulling a muscle. And by cooling down, it will get rid of any excesses lactic acid that was built up during play. So overall it is very important to take these measures to reduce the chances of injury to yourself and others.
