10 Most Common Crossfit Injuries

What are the most popular crossfit injuries?

1. Lumbar Strain
2. Anterior Knee Pain
3. Tennis Elbow
4. Wrist Strain
5. Achilles Tendonitis
6. Iliotibial Band Syndrome
7. Rotator Cuff Injury
8. Athletic Pubalgia
9. Herniated Disk
10. Neck Injury

1. Lumbar Strain

A lumbar strain is the most common injury for those who participate in crossfit. Lumbar strain is the medical term for lower back pain, and it is so common because many workouts in crossfit include lifting heavy weights and objects. If someone bends and lifts a heavy weight incorrectly, this puts unnecessary strain on the lower back, causing pain over time. To avoid having lower back pain, it is crucial for crossfit trainers to emphasize the importance of correct stances and positions. Furthermore, people engaging in crossfit should inform their trainer of any lower back pain before the injury becomes more severe.

2. Anterior Knee Pain

Crossfit has a reputation for being a very physical, individual sport and all of the exercises done in this sport puts pressure and strain on the knees. Anterior knee pain, specifically, is very common because the anterior knee is the front and center of the knee. Any kneeling positions or putting pressure on the knee caps will more likely cause anterior knee pain. To treat this pain, many active in crossfit will ice their knees after a crossfit workout, and implement stretches to keep the knees limber before and after a workout as well.

3. Tennis Elbow

Even though the colloquial term for this injury is not the sport being discussed, a tennis elbow injury is all too common in the crossfit community. A tennis elbow is the overuse of the tendons in the elbow, and it is caused by repetitive motions in the arms and wrist, and not by a sudden impact. The medical term for this injury is called lateral epicondylitis, and it causes pain for the athlete. Tennis elbows occur for athletes who engage in crossfit because many exercise circuits done in crossfit include repetitive combinations moving the arms and wrists. 

4. Wrist Strain

A wrist strain is another popular injury among those engaging in crossfit. Wrist strains are the overstretching of the muscles and tendons in the wrist region from intense lifting or repetitive motions. This injury happens often in crossfit because exercises executed in crossfit accomplish both: heavy, forceful lifting and repetitive movements. Those who are very active in crossfit may decide to wear a wrist support brace to reduce the chance of a future sprain. If a strain does occur, the athlete may have to take time for the wrist to heal and ice the injured area.

5. Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is a painful injury as it directly affects the largest tendon in the human body, beginning at the back of the calf to the heel. This injury usually is formed over time, with constant pressure and repetitive movements inflaming the tendon. In crossfit, athletes rely on their legs for power, and the pressure constantly put on the legs and the achilles tendon can easily cause this injury to occur. Achilles tendonitis does not often require surgery, however it is recommended to rest the injury before making the tendonitis much worse.

6. Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome is an injury that affects many athletes engaging in crossfit activities. This injury is better known as IT band syndrome, and it specifically injures the outside of one’s thighs. IT band syndrome is caused by overuse in the bending of the knees, putting undue strain on the tendon connecting the hip and the knee. Many engaging in crossfit will do stretching techniques targeting the muscles and tendons in the outer thighs in order to prevent IT band syndrome.

7. Rotator Cuff Injury

A rotator cuff injury is another injury that occurs often in the crossfit community. This injury affects the group of muscles around the shoulder that keeps the arm securely fit in the shoulder socket. Rotator cuff injuries usually occur from circular, repetitive movements in that shoulder region, and many crossfit exercises engage those muscles. In order to prevent this injury, many crossfit athletes do stretches to limber the shoulder muscles before exerting strenuous power.

8. Athletic Pubalgia

An athletic pubalgia is a painful injury located in the lower abdomen and/or groin area. It is similar to a hernia, but this injury is induced by twisting movements and sudden changes in direction due to sports or an active lifestyle. An athletic pubalgia is a strain or tear of any tissues in the groin or lower abdomen, and it is quite painful for the athlete. Also regarded as a sports hernia, an athletic pubalgia may worse and can turn into a hernia if treatment and rest is not taken.

9. Herniated Disk

A herniated disk is another injury that is not unheard of among those who participate in crossfit. This injury affects the spinal cord, specifically at the disks that sit between each of the vertebrae. These spinal disks have a jellylike center called the nucleus and it is surrounded in a tougher exterior called the annulus. A herniated disk is when the nucleus is pushed through the annulus and creates a tear. This is a painful injury that can also cause numbness or a weak feeling in the affected area. Crossfit athletes have experienced these injuries because incorrectly lifting heavy objects using back muscles rather than leg muscles may cause a herniated disk.

10. Neck Injury

A neck injury is a serious, yet common, injury to receive while engaging in crossfit exercises. The spine connects to the neck, so any injury where sudden and heavy weights or pressure are put against the neck can cause permanent injuries, such as paralysis. Neck injuries in crossfit are common because crossfit focuses on the heavy lifting and sudden changes in movements, and some exercises include lifting a heavy weight above the head. Any misstep in that can cause the weight to fall on the neck.