If you play sports, autumn is the time of year many of us anticipate. Football, soccer and cheerleading are only some of the sports that kick off in the fall. School teams and adult leagues alike are hitting the field for practices and games, increasing the risk of injury. Here are some tips to avoid sports-related injuries so you won’t have to spend the season on the sidelines.
Common Sports Injuries
The most common sports injuries are broken bones, dislocations, rotator cuff injuries, runner’s knee and Achilles’ tendon injuries. Some of these injuries, such as Achilles’ tendon, runner’s knee and rotator cuff injuries, can be caused by overuse and improper stretching. Broken bones can occur from impact with another player or from a fall.
Sports Injury Prevention
In order to keep yourself game ready, it is important to make sure you are healthy and ready to go before you head to your first practice. It is a good idea to see your doctor for a pre-season physical examination. During this examination, your doctor will complete a comprehensive exam to assess your overall physical health. Your doctor will most likely perform some lab work and order an EKG to evaluate your heart rhythm. They will also check your overall musculoskeletal condition, and check how joints are functioning.
As you transition into practice and competition, make sure you follow sound warmup and cool down routines. Stay hydrated to minimize the possibility of muscle cramping. Stick with a solid strength training regimen to stay in peak physical performance. If you experience pain, don’t try to play through it. Get your pain checked by a trainer or an orthopedic specialist. If injuries are caught early, the chances are greater that your injury won’t keep you sidelined for long. Keep an eye on the weather, and limit training in conditions that can make the ground unstable. And always remember to wear the proper protective gear. Injuries can lead to a lengthy recovery time, so avoiding the injury in the first place is always the best.
Nobody likes to be benched due to injury, but sometimes injuries happen, no matter how careful you are. If you have experienced a sports-related injury, proper treatment is vital to getting you healed and back on the team. Call the office of Jonathan Glashow MD today to schedule your consultation.
