Competitive parents are being warned to 'take it easy' when competing at their children's sports day.

Unfit mums and dads that are desperate to win the infamous egg and spoon race, are tearing knee ligaments and hamstrings in their bid for victory.

A recent survey revealed that more than half of those working in physiotherapy jobs, have had to treat injuries sustained by over eager parents who have participated in a range of sports day events.

The survey of 250 physiotherapists by AposTherapy, found that one in seven specialists have treated damage to one of the major knee ligaments, as well as to strained calves and hamstrings. One in 10 of those questioned have treated osteoarthritis aggravated after sports day participation.

In total half of the physiotherapists asked, had treated parents who managed to injure themselves during the annual sporting event.

Some parents have torn the cruciate ligaments in their knee, which can take up to a year to heal and astonishingly, one in 20 physiotherapists have even treated a pupil's grandparent.

Experts warn that the most hazardous event for participating parents is sprinting, with more than a third of injuries being caused by the activity. Three-legged races accounted for 17 per cent of the damage and the well-liked sack race was responsible for 15 per cent.

Dr Peter Mace, assistant medical director at Bupa, which provides AposTherapy told the Metro: "School sports days can be surprisingly competitive and men and women should warm up thoroughly beforehand and then warm down afterwards."