Guide to Sports Injury Prevention and Treatment
Injuries incurred during sports activities are issues that the majority of coaches and athletes are accustomed to. These conditions can temporarily disable the athlete, but in many cases can set back the entire team. An ousted team member can affect the outcome of games and can have lasting results on the season as well. Similar to the way a team is influenced by a benched member, an injured body part influences the entire body. Injuries such as shin splints, ankle injuries, and twisted knees can be caused by poor form, lack of stretching, and excessive use of the areas below the knees. As reported by medical physicians at the Cleveland Clinic, most athletes develop shin splints sometime during their career. Here’s how to help them heal and try to avoid this debilitating issue, as well as avoiding other common sports injuries.
Shin Splints: How They Originate
Shin splints cause symptoms such as pain in the front or side areas of the lower leg. The pain can be dramatic and excruciating, especially when applying pressure on the affected leg. Swelling in the area can make the leg feel tight as well as make tissues appear swollen in the muscles. No matter what type of sport, from running to football any athlete can be affected by these conditions. It is critical that treatment for shin splints be sought immediately so that proper physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs can be started. The most common treatment for shin splints guidelines followed by sports therapists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the painful area for one to two days. Ongoing physical therapy and preventative exercises include calf and ankle strengthening moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the front leg muscles that surround the shin bone.
Twisting Injuries: How Weak Muscles Affect the Tendons and Ligaments
Twisting injuries are also commonly seen in impact-type sports.This is caused by either a forceful injury, which cannot be avoided, or from weak muscles of the ankle, lower leg, and knee. Strengthening weak muscles can be accomplished through weight lifting or exercises prescribed by a physical therapist that target the lower leg. Damaged muscles lead to weakened support structures in the entire lower leg so that simple movements or athletic activities can cause twisting injuries. Another helpful measure for preventing these types of injuries are to be sure the feet have proper arch support. This can be accomplished with the use of orthotics made especially for athletic activities. The doctors at the Cleveland Clinic also recommend taping the arch for additional arch support during sports activities.
How Tearing Injuries Happen
Tearing of the connective tissues are also widespread types of sports -related injuries. This is most commonly found in the Achilles tendon and anterior cruciate ligament. An Achilles injury is commonly caused by little flexibility in the heel tendon due to inadequate stretching exercises. This is a vital part in the warm-up routine that should never be skipped. Slow stretches without pulsing are suggested for all sports participants. Holding the stretch for a minimum of 30 seconds, resting for a few moments, then repeating the stretch is what kinesiology specialists suggest. ACL (Anterior cruciate ligaments)are located in the knee and help hold the knee structure together. Injuries to this area can be prevented by weight-bearing exercises of the knee and lower leg through leg curls and leg extensions. The right arch support inserts can help avert both of these kinds of injuries by providing proper arch support, ideal cushion, and proper foot form.
$10,000 College Grants For Single Mothers - Take the Advantage Now!
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment