subject: A Guide To Sports Medicine Injuries [print this page] When it comes to your health, there is no such thing as being too cautious. As long as you are a physically active individual, there are some injuries you are more at risk for. Learn about what the most common sports injuries are so you can make a conscious effort to prevent them.
According to some recent studies that have been done, there are five very common injuries that tend to plaque people of all ages. Theses ailments are knee injuries, groin pulls, ankle sprains, shin injuries, and tennis elbow. These conditions can happen from doing some of the most natural movements and activities. If you exercise some caution while doing some of your daily activities, you may be able to prevent them from occurring. If you happen to end up with any of these injuries, you need to find a sports medicine doctor to get proper treatment.
Sometimes when you make sudden movements, you can end up accidentally spraining a ligament. When this occurs it becomes much easier to tear them. You may feel extreme pain and experience the inability to use the affected joint. It is also very possible to strain your muscles and ligaments as well. When you pull a muscle, it is usually the result of over using and overstretching the affected muscle. This can also cause great difficulty in your ability to use your limbs and joints.
The best advice to help you reduce the amount of visits you pay to your sports medicine specialist is to stay in shape. You don't have to become a die-hard exercise extremist. Just make time each and every day to stretch properly and condition your joints before you do any twisting, bending, and lifting. If you work out on a daily basis you will help improve your body's flexibility and keep some injuries at bay.
Before you start any workouts or exercise routines, remember to warm your muscles and joints up first. If it has been some time since you have exercised or done any sports related activities, take it easy and start off slow. Don't feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing. Pay attention and listen to your body. Pace yourself and stay hydrated. If you become winded or tired, stop. You don't want to overwork your muscles.
If you happen to hurt yourself, don't hesitate to find a sports medicine doctor and get treated right away. If you feel pain or have trouble using your body, don't assume that things will resolve on their own. The longer you put off being treated, the worse your condition can become. Even though many injuries are not too serious, there may still be some damage that needs to be repaired. Until you are able to make it in for treatment, try to limit your use of the affected joint and rest it. There are over the counter medications you can take for temporary pain management and you can also purchase heat and ice packs to help reduce any swelling.
