Playing sports puts athletes at a very high risk for injuries because of the pressure and the work they have to put their bodies through. 

Playing any type of sport can take a toll on one’s body, whether it’s shin splints from running, or broken limbs from tackles. These injuries can be mentally and physically challenging for athletes to deal with, because it not only affects their performance, but also affects their lives outside of sports. 

Logan Williamson, a receiver on the South football team, has been dealing with shin fractures and bone inflammation. Originally a result of overuse, Williamson’s injuries started with shin splints; as he continued to practice,  the condition got worse. He still shows up to games and practices, but he is not allowed to play. 

“It was hard at first,” Williamson said. “It is upsetting because it is my senior year.” Williamson’s doctors say it will take about six months before he can practice again.

Most dedicated athletes will push through a mild injury. If they can play or participate, then they will, often having to reach a certain point where they are specifically told that they are no longer allowed. Even if they cannot play, they still have to show up for the team. It can be difficult to watch one’s teammates play the sport you love while not being able to join in. 

Eli Snider, a player on the men’s water polo team, has a tendon problem in his shoulder. 

“I had some like shoulder pain, and then one day it popped, and then I went to physical therapy and they said it was a tendon problem,” Snider said. Also caused by overuse, his problems began mid-September, just a few weeks into the season. He did not practice for most of October but resumed early into November. 

“It was depressing, and I was sad I couldn’t play,” Snider said. Though it was hard for him to not be able to play, the time off seems to be helping. His shoulder is improving, and his pain has gone down. 

Most of the time, the best thing to do when you hurt yourself is to take a break and rest. A lot of the time, overuse will just lead to something worse. Injuries can lead to permanent damage, and your body might not be able to move the same way as before the injury. You might not be able to do the same stuff as before it happened. 

Not only will injuries affect the way you play, but it can also affect day-to-day activities. This can be the hardest part, mentally for some people. 

Most injuries last between a week or a few months, but some last for years –a full recovery depends on the seriousness and type of injury. 

The best way to overcome this issue is to avoid them altogether. Warming up properly, cooling down, drinking enough water, and eating properly are crucial to prevent injuries, and also for recovery. 

Resting is also one of the most important things you can do to keep your body healthy and strong, even though it can feel like sometimes it is the hardest thing to do.

Article by Maddie Wright