[Epidemiology of sports injuries]

The upsurge of enthusiasm for participation in sports and exercise has been accompanied by a steady increase in the prevalence of injuries. Physical activity is widely considered to be beneficial "medicine" where sports injuries represent undesirable side effects. The beneficial effect would appear to surpass the adverse effects--"There is less risk in activity than in continuous inactivity" (P-O. Astrand). Among the categories of injury, acute injuries and their sequelae predominate. Overuse injuries often affect participation in sports activities for extended periods, though the duration of sick certification is usually shorter than in more substantial acute injuries. The most common injuries are joint injuries of the foot or ankle, the fingers and hand, and of the knees, and injuries to the muscles of the extremities.