"Sports   injuries"   are   injuries   that   happen   when   playing   sports or    exercising.    Some    are    from    accidents.    Others    can    result from   poor   training   practices   or   improper   gear.   Some   people get    injured    when    they    are    not    in    proper    condition.    Not warming   up   or   stretching   enough   before   you   play   or   exercise can also lead to injuries. The most common sports injuries are: • Sprains and strains • Knee injuries • Swollen muscles • Achilles tendon injuries • Pain along the shin bone • Fractures • Dislocations There    are    two    kinds    of    sports    injuries:    acute    and    chronic. Acute    injuries    occur    suddenly    when    playing    or    exercising. Sprained    ankles,    strained    backs,    and    fractured    hands    are acute injuries. Signs of an acute injury include: • Sudden, severe pain. • Swelling. • Not   being   able   to   place   weight   on   a   leg,   knee,   ankle,   or foot. • An arm, elbow, wrist, hand, or finger that is very tender. • Not being able to move a joint as normal. • Extreme leg or arm weakness. • A bone or joint that is visibly out of place. Chronic   injuries   happen   after   you   play   a   sport   or   exercise   for a long time. Signs of a chronic injury include: • Pain when you play. • Pain when you exercise. • A dull ache when you rest. • Swelling. These tips can help you avoid sports injures : • Don't   bend   your   knees   more   than   half   way   when   doing knee bends • Don't   twist   your   knees   when   you   stretch.   Keep   your   feet as flat as you can • When jumping, land with your knees bent • Do warmup exercises before you play any sport • Always stretch before you play or exercise • Don't overdo it • Cool down after hard sports or workouts • Wear    shoes    that    fit    properly,    are    stable,    and    absorb shock • Use   the   softest   exercise   surface   you   can   find;   don't   run on asphalt or concrete • Run on flat surfaces