If you are an athlete, then you a likely familiar with some of the most common sports injuries. Playing sports is not only fun, but it is also a great way to exercise and stay healthy. However, it is not uncommon for even the best-conditioned athletes to get sports injuries. Preparing your body for the physical demands of sports can help you avoid sitting out during the next season.
Some sports injuries are more common than others. This makes it a good idea for you to learn more about these typical sports injuries so you can take the necessary precautions to avoid them. The list below offers information on three sports injuries that the average athlete may experience. It also includes advice on how to prevent these common sports injuries from ever occurring.
Sprains and strains are the most common type of sports injury an athlete will encounter. This injury happens when you place too much pressure on one of your ligaments or muscles. Too much pressure can cause ligaments and muscles to be stretched out so much that it causes damage. A sprain or strain will cause you to experience a high amount of soreness. It tends to heal on its own when it is a minor injury. If the stretching causes the ligaments and muscles to tear, then you should visit a medical professional for advice and treatment.
How to prevent sprains and strains? Warm up and stretch before every practice and game. Use dynamic warm-ups to get blood into your muscles. Stop playing the sport when any pain begins to make itself present. Maintaining a healthy weight and wearing appropriate shoes are also suggested. Use static stretches to help relieve soreness when cooling down.
Another common sports-related injury consists of injuries to the knee. When you suffer from a knee-related injury, it usually means you have poor flexibility in their knees or are using improper techniques. This can cause your knee to dislocate or the tendons near the knee to tear.
You can prevent these injuries by improving flexibility and reducing stress on your knees. Cut back the number of miles you run per week. Wear a knee brace when playing a sport.
A stress fracture happens when minor cracks form in the bone. This type of sports-related injury happens when the muscles around a bone are no longer able to protect the bone from injury. This type of injury is common amongst extreme athletes and long-distance runners since they repeatedly overwork their legs. While most stress fractures will heal on their own, it is always recommended to see a medical professional for evaluation.
How to prevent stress fractures? Do not try to push through the pain when running. Reduce your weekly mileage and invest in shoes that fit your foot’s arch type. Foam rolling your legs after a workout can help reduce inflammation and soreness. However, do not roll your legs after you already have a stress fracture.
It is not uncommon for athletes to develop sports injuries from time to time. Preventative measures can help you avoid most injuries, but there may be times when they still occur. If you are in pain and cannot get past an injury, visit our sports medicine clinic for help.
Call us today at (703) 673-1558 for more information from Millennium Medical Care Manassas.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Sports Injuries in Manassas, VA.
The flu shot is an effective, easy way to prevent the seasonal flu. For maximum protection, urgent care and primary care providers recommend these vaccinations before flu season starts in October. Many patients are unaware of how impactful this vaccine can be, which is why learning about its benefits is an excellent first step in…
A multitude of conditions can warrant the need for professional pain management. While pain management can come in the form of medication or treatment, urgent care typically performs the latter. Learning the difference between short and long-term options can help you learn when to consult a doctor.Whether a patient has a chronic condition that causes…
Diabetes is a prevalent disease that negatively impacts the body's glucose levels and, in turn, organs. That is why routine diabetes check are strongly recommended by medical professionals across multiple specialties. They can not only detect diabetes but also if you are on the fast track to developing the condition.Diabetes impacts the body in more…
Having a connection with a primary care provider is paramount for your health. These medical professionals ensure you remain healthy year-round by providing services to prevent many illnesses and conditions. These services do not always mean medications. In fact, the goal of any medical care provider is to keep your body healthy enough to sustain…
The flu shot is an effective, easy way to prevent the seasonal flu. For maximum protection, urgent care and primary care providers recommend these vaccinations before flu season starts in October. Many patients are unaware of how impactful this vaccine can be, which is why learning about its benefits is an excellent first step in…
A multitude of conditions can warrant the need for professional pain management. While pain management can come in the form of medication or treatment, urgent care typically performs the latter. Learning the difference between short and long-term options can help you learn when to consult a doctor.Whether a patient has a chronic condition that causes…