Participating in sports is an excellent way to keep your body healthy and to maintain your vim and vigor. However, accidents are inevitable – so you have to take extra precautions to keep yourself safe and prevent injury.
You can make the most of your sports performance by avoiding some of the most common sports injuries. Let’s talk about some of those injuries and offer a few tips to keep you in the game.
What Are Some of the Most Common Sports Injuries?
The following are a few of the most common injuries that athletes and amateurs alike can get from playing sports:
- Joint dislocations
- Fractures
- Injuries of the knee, shoulder, elbow, or ankle
- Achilles tendon tears
- Shin splints
- Muscle injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Concussions
How Can I Avoid Sports Injuries?
Implementing these basic, easy practices can help you avoid getting injured while playing your favorite sports:
Adequately Warm Up and Cool Down
Warming up is very important before starting an activity, exercise, or sport. To help loosen the muscles and prepare your body for a vigorous workout, your warm-up should use the same muscles, bones, and joints that you will engage during play.
Stretching, on the other hand, is best done when muscles are warm – usually after exercise. This is a great way to cool down afterward.
Use Proper Form, Technique, and Gear
Learn as much as you can about using the ideal form, posture, and technique for your sport. This helps you perform more efficiently and without awkward movements, thereby avoiding pulling or tearing tissues and supportive structures.
Moreover, use the right equipment and gear. Protective equipment, like pads, helmets, and shoes, are essential in avoiding a sports injury. You can talk to your coach or trainer about which types of gear you need.
Drink Enough Water
Ensure that you’re drinking enough water before, during, and after workouts and practices. Drinking water improves circulation and regulates your body temperature. If you’re not adequately hydrated, you’ll feel a decline in your energy, coordination, and strength, which can affect your performance and lead to injury.
Don’t Forget to Rest
Never underestimate the power of taking breaks. Whatever age group you might be in, you should rest between events, practices, and games. Also make sure you rest if your body is prompting you to take a break during a game or while exercising.
One of the most common injuries seen in athletes is overuse injuries resulting from repetitive trauma and excessive physical activity. This is caused by a lack of letting your muscles and joints rest.
Orthopedic Doctors Across North Dakota
If you’re an athlete or are planning to begin an exercise or sports regimen, be sure to partner with a sports physician who can guide you in avoiding injury while maximizing your performance. Here at The Bone & Joint Center, our orthopedists specialize in optimizing your musculoskeletal capabilities, and we offer nonsurgical and surgical treatments if you ever do get injured.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (800) 424-2663 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get into the best shape possible.
