How to Avoid the Most Common Sports Injuries

The most frequently occurring sports injuries as reported by doctors are sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations. Even if you don’t play a sport but you do live a fairly active lifestyle, then you are prone to these injuries.

Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to reduce your risk of injury. It is important to try and avoid sports injuries, because they can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis – which is the inflammation of one or more joints.

How Can I Avoid Getting Injured?

Let’s talk about some of the key ways in which you can avoid the most common sports injuries:

Always Warm-Up

Warming up gets your body ready for physical activity. This does not just apply to sports but also to any physically demanding activity such as running, dancing, cycling, and other types of exercise.

The primary purpose of warming up is to increase your heart rate and get your blood pumping. This warms up your muscles and loosens them, so they will not be stiff as you perform the activity. Stiff muscles are prone to tears.

Remember to Stretch

Stretching also prepares your muscles and joints for an acceleration in physical demand. It expands your muscle fibers so they are less prone to injury.

When you engage in a sport or physical activity, you are subjecting your muscles to stress. Stretching and warming up makes them more flexible and adaptable to the stress, helping you to avoid being injured.

Wear the Right Gear

Be sure to utilize supportive equipment and clothing, such as:

• Athletic shoes for your specific sport
• Safety equipment
• Chalk to protect the skin on your hands, such as in gymnastics
• Helmets
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Elbow pads
• Knee pads
• A brace or special support, such as for your back

All of these can help you prevent sports injuries. They are created for your safety.

Use Proper Form and Technique

Every type of sport or exercise has certain methods that maximize performance and reduce the risk of injury. Talk to an orthopedic doctor about which methods are best for your sport of choice, because proper technique is crucial in preventing injuries.

For example, the application of proper movements when engaging in a sport or exercise helps reduce the likelihood of going beyond your physical capacity. Every type of activity has special risky movements that you should avoid, and your doctor will explain what those movements are and how to avoid them.

Rest When You Are Tired

If your muscles are becoming tired, you should take a break – do not ignore it. Continuing to play while fatigued will result in an injury, because your muscles and joints have reached their limit for the moment. The most successful and healthy athletes know how important it is to rest when necessary.

Sports Doctors in St. Charles County, MO

Our experienced orthopedic medical team here at Advanced Bone & Joint is ready to provide you comprehensive care and treatment for your sports injury. We can also help you improve your athletic performance in order to avoid future injuries.

If you want to be seen by a top sports medicine physician in St. Charles County, contact us today by calling us at (636) 229-4222 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!