Here are seven of the most common sports injuries:

1. Ankle sprain – This typically occurs when the foot turns inward, stretching or tearing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. To prevent loss of flexibility and strength---and re-injury—it's important to exercise. Have an x-ray to make sure the bones in the lower leg did not separate.
2. Groin pull -- Pushing off in a side-to-side motion causes strain of the inner thigh muscles, or groin. Compression, ice, and rest is the best treatment, but returning to full activity too quickly can aggravate the injury or turn it into a long-term problem. See your physician if there is significant swelling.
3. Hamstring strain -- The hamstring (the three muscles in the back of the thigh) can be over-stretched by movements in which the leg is kicked out sharply (such as in hurdling or falling forward while waterskiing). Hamstring injuries are slow to heal (up to six to12 months) because of the constant stress from walking.
4. Shin Splints -- Pains down the front of the lower legs is most often brought on by running (especially when starting a strenuous training program). The best treatment is rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medicine.
5. Knee Injury—ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear – The ACL holds the leg bone to the knee. Sudden "cuts" or stops or getting hit from the side can strain or tear it. A severe tear will usually require surgery.
6. Knee Injury: Patellofemoral syndrome – Caused by the repetitive movement of your kneecap (patella) against your thigh bone (femur), damaging the tissue under the kneecap (one knee or both can be affected). This injury could take up to six weeks to heal, but continue with low-impact exercise during this time.
7. Tennis elbow (epicondylitis) -- Repetitive use of the elbow (such as in golfing or tennis) can irritate or make tiny tears in the elbow's tendons.  It is most common in 30 to 60-year-olds. Discontinue the activity until the pain improves.