In general, you can get injured in almost every sport, but not all we call dangerous. And in general, the concept of “danger” is very flexible. What for one will be very dangerous, for another will be commonplace. But, statistics show that some sports hobbies are too risky. As a rule, this risk always affects the health of athletes.

Exercise is good for people of all ages. But, athletes are far more likely to get injured than the average pedestrian or motorist.

The Insurance Information Institute, a U.S. nonprofit organization, ranked the sports disciplines for 2021. So you can see where athletes in the U.S. suffered the most injuries. Based on this data, we have compiled a list of the seven most popular injury-prone sports. The material does not include disciplines directly related to health risks:

  • martial arts;
  • extreme sports.

So read the article to know what professional sport has the most injuries.

Overview of Sports Injuries

A direct cause of injury is collisions, bumps, and falls. Overexertion can also cause injury. For example, sudden overstraining or stretching can provoke tissue damage. It happens during training when muscles are not warmed up. Violation of safety techniques training in unsuitable equipment plays a role. Painful condition is often associated with general weakness. So sports can also cause injury. It happens usually after acute illness or exacerbation of chronic diseases. We can classify most dangerous sports as follows:

By localization It can be a sports injury of the knee, ankle, foot, hip, shoulder, elbow, head, spine, or back. Classification is conditional, as often the athlete suffers a combined injury. For example, sports injuries of joints are usually combined with a bone fracture.
By the type of injury These can be: contusions, sprains, tears, fractures, or head injuries.
By a kind of sport  Traumatism is higher in active sports with the most injuries: soccer, hockey, wrestling, boxing, gymnastics. Separately, ballet injury can also be distinguished. In ballet dancers, the legs’ muscles, ligaments, and bones are most often injured. Constant loads lead to chronic diseases:

  • arthrosis of the hip joints;
  • herniated vertebral discs.
By time of exposure to the traumatic agent These can be: acute and chronic injuries. Chronic ones are usually caused by constant trauma.
By severity We can categorize highest injury rate sports into: mild, moderate, and severe.
football player lies on the field and holds his leg

What Professional Sport Has the Most Injuries?

Professional sports are a spectacle of human athleticism, skill, and dedication. But, behind the glamour and excitement lies a stark reality. Injuries are an inherent part of the game. Injuries are prevalent in nearly all sports. A pressing question often piques the curiosity of enthusiasts and health professionals alike. We mean: “What professional sport has the most injuries?”

In this exploration, we delve into the world of professional sports. So we uncover which disciplines carry the highest risk of injury for athletes. The answer may surprise you, as various factors contribute to the injury landscape. It includes:

  • the nature of the sport;
  • athlete conditioning;
  • equipment;
  • rule changes. 

We need to have an understanding of the highest injury rate sports. So we can:

  • shed light on the physical toll these athletes endure;
  • gain insights into the measures taken to mitigate these risks. 

So read more to get all the answers.

Football

The king of all sports with the most injuries is the most popular worldwide. And injuries have become commonplace. You can play professionally or just warm up on Sundays with friends, the risk of injury is extremely high. The facts are clear: a professional soccer player suffers 200 yearly injuries. In amateur soccer, the number is smaller but still impressive. If you don’t believe me, ask a pharmacy about the rush for soothing gels and ointments this past weekend.

Fortunately, soccer doesn’t have too high a fatality rate. The most common cause of death is fatal heart failure due to high exertion. History remembers more cases of players:

  • killed by lightning;
  • injured by thrown objects from the stands;
  • injured even by hitting their heads in the soccer goal.

Basketball

Basketball, despite its widespread popularity, is one of the most dangerous sports. It is due to its fast-paced, high-contact nature. Injuries like sprained ankles, knee ligament tears, and fractures are common. The combination of rapid movements, collisions, and jumping places strain on players’ bodies. Additionally, the indoor court environment can contribute to slip-and-fall injuries. Proper training, conditioning, and adherence to safety protocols are essential. You need it to mitigate these risks and ensure athletes’ well-being.

Rock climbing

That rock climbing has the highest injury rate in sports. The reasons are many. The difficulty is that the forces must be perfectly distributed. Besides going up, you must also be able to go down. Many amateurs make the mistake of:

  • putting their all into the climb;
  • forgetting that the descent is just as dangerous. 

The specificity of sport is that any serious injury brings you closer to a hospital bed and even death. Medical attention comes slowly and with difficulty, and it can not always help.

In addition, after severe fractures and open wounds, there is the risk of:

  • hypothermia;
  • heart failure;
  • blocked tendons and joints. 

Suffice it to say that rock climbing is classified as a level 5 hazard sport. For reference, the highest danger level 6 is combat knife fighting and archery, “blind”.

Hockey

Everyone has seen hockey players with teeth in their mouths. They are constantly knocked out. Rubber mouth protectors don’t help. It neither does a protective helmet designed to protect the top of the head.

In hockey, injuries have become commonplace. Just playing hockey is like playing with a lighter at a gas station. Severe troubles can happen any time in sports with the most injuries:

  • from an opponent;
  • from hitting a defensive wall, on the ice;
  • from a hockey stick, a puck.

Rugby

One of the most popular and paid sports in the world is rugby. While the sport is immensely enjoyable, it is also one of the deadliest. Most injuries are usually related to concussions or brain damage. According to sources, one in four players gets injured every season. Other common injuries rugby players face include:

  • hamstring;
  • ankle sprains;
  • head;
  • shoulder;
  • thumb injuries.

Basejumping

Basejumping is similar to skydiving in that people skydive there. However, instead of jumping from an airplane, they do it from tall buildings. As the name suggests, they jump from one fixed object to another.

Many are injured due to the malfunctioning of the wingsuit. And that’s not to mention that they get hit hard by different parts of their body or the dome during the jump. Most base-jumpers suffer from sprained/fractured ankles, mild concussions, or bruised knees. Overall, it is one of the most dangerous sports.

Gymnastics

As we all know, gymnastics is all about:

  • balance;
  • strength;
  • flexibility;
  • agility;
  • coordination and endurance. 

This sport utilizes every muscle in the body. Some common injuries in this sport are:

  • wrist fractures;
  • cartilage damage;
  • anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. 

Even minor injuries become a big problem, resulting in decreased bone density. To date, one death from the sport has been recorded. Gymnast Julissa D’Ann Gomez crashed while ski jumping, leaving her legs paralyzed. Sadly, she eventually died due to the injury.

athlete on a treadmill

Injury Prevention

These sports with the most injuries demand meticulous attention to safety measures. It can be football, rugby, and extreme sports. Athletes undergo rigorous training to build strength, agility, and endurance. It reduces the likelihood of injury. Proper gear and equipment are non-negotiable to shield participants from potential harm. You can buy the following things for this:

  • helmets;
  • padding;
  • safety harnesses.

Moreover, rule modifications and strict officiating help:

  • maintain fairness;
  • protect athletes from reckless play. 

Continuous research into injury patterns and advancements in sports medicine contribute to:

  • identifying injuries;
  • addressing potential risks. 

Above all, you need to consider a culture of safety awareness. It emphasizes responsible play and sportsmanship. This can play a pivotal role in reducing injuries. It also ensures that athletes can continue to pursue their passion while minimizing the inherent risks of their chosen sport.

Conclusion

It’s essential to remember that with proper training, safety measures, and responsible play, the most dangerous sports can be enjoyed with reduced risk. At All Injury Rehab, we understand the toll that injuries can take on athletes’ lives. Our comprehensive rehabilitation services are tailored to aid recovery and rebuild strength. We ensure a swift return to the sports you love. Don’t let injuries sideline your passion. Choose All Injury Rehab for expert care and guidance. 

FAQ

What is the most dangerous sport in the world?

It’s difficult to pinpoint a single “most dangerous” sport, but activities like BASE jumping, bull riding, and mixed martial arts are often considered among the riskiest.

What sport has the highest injury rate?

Sports like American football, rugby, and ice hockey typically have the highest injury rates due to their physical nature and frequent contact.

Are the highest injury rate sports necessarily the most dangerous ones?

The sports with the highest injury rates are not necessarily the most dangerous overall. Some sports may have a lower injury rate but result in more severe injuries when they do occur, while others may have a higher frequency of minor injuries.

What should athletes do to recover from injuries sustained in high-risk sports?

Athletes recovering from injuries in high-risk sports should prioritize seeking professional medical care. They need to adhere to recommended rehabilitation programs.