In the world of sports, sustaining an injury is a major concern. The human body is capable of making remarkable achievements. But, if it is pushed excessively, there is a very high risk of injury of various kinds. Cricket is a game that needs high paced performance from the players. That is why it comes with its fair share of cricket injuries in cricketers.

Australia has researched cricket injuries under the direction of Dr John Orchard. It has been demonstrated that cricket injuries at the elite level occur around 18 injuries in total for a team of 25 cricketers who play 20 matches in a season. About 9% of cricketers, on average, can have an injury at any given time. Although, the injury rate is significantly higher in fast bowlers.

Research has also indicated that hamstrains stains, muscle tears and other injuries such as sprains and strains can be the most common cricket injuries. The nature of the sport such as sprinting and repeatedly ball throwing for at least seven hours a day, is a big contributor to these injuries.

The 5 Most Common Cricket Injuries

1) Rotator Cuff Injury

All aspects of cricket, including fielding, batting, bowling, and wicket keeping, place your shoulders into overdrive. The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that help to stabilize the shoulder joints. When any of these shoulder muscles get strained or torn, it results in a rotator cuff injury. The repetitive activity during cricket may easily cause rotator cuff injury. The common symptoms of the rotator shoulder cuff injury are pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion. At the initial stages, you can control injuries by wearing the best rotator cuff supports. However, it would be best if you also took professional advice from your physician to treat rotator cuff injury.

2) Medial Elbow Sprain

Repetitive high-velocity throwing causes severe sprain to the soft tissues located in the inner area of the elbow. It is one of the most common injuries because cricketers have to perform this activity repeatedly throughout the match. Pain in the elbow and swelling are the most common symptoms. It would be best if you diagnosed the symptoms to treat the injury. However, if left untreated, it may cause a long term absence from the field due to injury. Strengthening may help in treatment. Moreover, to get core stability and instant relief wearing elbow sprain support can help.

3) Wrist Injury

It doesn’t matter that you are involved in bowling, fielding, or bating; wrist is the most common aspect of your body to perform well. A minor misdirection while throwing a cricket ball and hitting a shot can lead to wrist injury or fracture. At the initial stages of damage, you may feel pain, tenderness, and swelling. If it’s confirmed that you have a wrist injury, then you can prevent further damage with the best wrist injury support. However, you must consult your doctor to avoid further damage.

4) Knee Strain

A cricketer bends his knee while bowling and playing a shot while batting. However, to stop the ball from reaching the boundary, a fielder slides in an awkward position. In all these conditions, your knee may get hurt badly. A knee strain is the most common injury resulting from the above-discussed situations.   

5) Sprained Ankle

Ankle sprains are also very common in cricket. A sprained ankle is a damage to the soft tissues and ligaments around the Ankles. It usually happens when an ankle is twisted inwards. It causes bleeding within the tissues, which results in severe pain and swelling.    

Treatment of Cricket Injuries

The following are the possible ways to treat your cricket injuries: 

1) Protection: Protect yourself. You have to move your body consciously after getting injured.

2) Optimal Loading: Do not exert pressure or burden load on the injured part of the body and provide proper rest to help speed up recovery. 

3) Ice Packs: Ice is considered the best treatment to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.

4) Compression: Wearing compressions may also help the rehabilitation process. Ask your physician for the best injury supports or product to wear.

5) Elevation: Elevating the injured part of the body is a good way to help recovery.  

6) Surgery: Unfortunately, you may require surgery to get rid of the injury in severe conditions.

Prevention for Cricket Injuries

The following are the preventive measures to avoid cricket injuries: 

1) Wear All Safety equipment

Wearing safety gear and a cricket kit should be your first priority. You must wear shin pads, gloves, arm guards, wrist supports and custom cricket shoes while playing.

2) Physical Preparation

Prepare yourself physically to avoid any injury during or after a cricket match. Before and immediately after the game, you should warm up your body and stretch your muscles. It will reduce the risk of possible muscle pulls and other injuries.