Sports Injuries

Recognizing and Preventing Athletic Damages to Your Body

Athletes are some of the fittest individuals in the world. As strong as their bodies are, however, they also can sustain injuries because of the repetitive and stressful motions of their chosen activities. You can stay fit and enjoy your favorite sport or exercise by knowing how to recognize and prevent common sports injuries.

Common Athletic and Exercise-Related Injuries

Any part of your body can become injured while you are playing sports or working out. For instance, your legs, ankles, and even your toes can be injured while you are running or kicking.

Running and kicking invites direct impact to these parts of your body. Whether you are kicking a football or pounding your feet on hard pavement while running, you could suffer from damages like a sprain, strain, or fracture, leaving you unable to compete or work out for weeks or months.

Some activities require that you lift heavy objects. Sports like the discus or shot put, for example, put strain on your arms, shoulders, hands, and upper back. Weightlifting and wrestling can likewise damage your elbows, shoulders, and lower back because of the resistance and duration required for these athletic activities.

When you want to continue your favorite exercises and sports but want to minimize the negative impact they can have on your body, it is important that you know what steps to take to prevent such common injuries. The precautions you take before working out or competing could save you from pain and suffering that could last for weeks, months, or even years.

Preventing and Healing from Sports Injuries

The old adage of an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure definitely applies when you exercise or play sports. By preventing sports injuries now, you save yourself the time and distress of healing from them.

Before you engage in your favorite sports or exercises, you should first stretch out to make sure you are limber and warmed up properly. When your body is flexible and ready to go, you prevent damages like strains and sprains to your joints, ligaments, and tendons. You may be encouraged to stretch and warm up a half hour or sooner before playing.

You should wear proper gear when playing your favorite sports. Wearing a helmet while playing football or batting during a baseball game can prevent sports injuries that come from a direct blow to your head. Supportive athletic shoes, gloves, shin guards, and other gear also have a role in keeping your body safe from injuries that could take you out of play for the rest of the season.

If you do suffer from a sports injury, however, it is imperative that you have it professionally diagnosed and treated so that you can heal from it faster. Medical professionals who can diagnose, treat, and monitor your healing can address issues like pain and limited mobility, helping you get back on the court, field, or track quicker.

Playing your favorite sports should be fun and worry-free. When you suffer a sports-related injury, however, your enjoyment may be cut short, forcing you to sit on the sidelines for weeks or longer. You can prolong your play and take care of your body by knowing how to recognize and prevent today’s most common sports injuries.
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