There are many different types of joint injuries. But doctors tend to see the same types of injuries over and over again for each major group of joints.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are among the most common injuries to the knee joint. Athletes who compete in sports with a lot of jumping and twisting are most likely to injure their ACL. This includes sports like football, soccer, and basketball.
Sprains and strains are among the most common wrist and ankle joint injuries. A sprain happens when you over-stretch a ligament attached to a joint. A strain happens when you hurt the muscle around the joint. Twisting an ankle or falling on a wrist are common causes.
Throwing injuries are one of the most common elbow joint problems. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is particularly vulnerable in baseball pitchers. This is because pitching involves repetitive motion that taxes this ligament.
A rotator cuff injury is one of the most common shoulder injuries. Your rotator cuff is what allows you to lift your arm over your head. A rotator cuff injury can happen from overuse or from an accident (such as falling on an outstretched arm).