Anyone who regularly plays a sport runs the risk of becoming injured at least a few times in their lifetime. Luckily, even some of the most devastating sports injuries can be treated with a little patience and help from medical professionals. Here is a look at four of the most common sports injuries and what you can do to recover from them as quickly as possible.

1. Concussion

What makes concussions so devastating is the fact that they happen to athletes of all ages and within practically every sport. Teenage athletes have the highest concussion risk, and repeated head injuries can lead to a lifetime of cognitive issues. In most cases, treating this condition requires nothing more than one or two weeks of rest, but some athletes will require surgery after a severe concussion.

2. Torn ACL

Knee injuries are the most common sports injuries. Minor sprains can often be treated with the R.I.C.E. method, but an ACL tear will require a more comprehensive treatment program. Athletes who have torn their ACL will need to meet with a knee surgeon to discuss treatment options such as reconstruction surgery using a section of patella tendon or hamstring and physical therapy following their surgery. Professional medical care is often the only way to fully restore the leg’s strength and range of motion.

3. Achilles Tendinitis

Even athletes who do not play contact sports can develop Achilles tendinitis at some point in their career. This condition is characterized by a constant inflammation of the Achilles tendon due to rapid acceleration, deceleration, and pivots. When left untreated, Achilles tendinitis can result in permanent damage to the tendon which will make running nearing impossible. Most specialists will treat this condition with long-term physical therapy after multiple months of resting the tendon.

4. Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow takes place when the cartilage that runs through the elbow begins to degenerate. While tennis players have the highest risk of developing this condition, practically any sport that requires the use of one’s wrist and forearm can result in tennis elbow. If the condition remains untreated, athletes might have to take a lengthy break from their sport after undergoing a cartilage restoration surgery. The easiest way to prevent this condition is to strengthen the forearm muscles that control the wrist.

Athletes are susceptible to hundreds of different types of injuries, but the vast majority will experience injuries involving their ankles, legs, head, and elbow.