subject: Remain In The Game By Avoiding Common Sports Injuries This Season [print this page] As fall quickly begins and football season is underway, it is important to understand your risk of injury while participating in some of your favorite sports this year. With fall comes the end of baseball and the beginning of football, but when injury occurs it could bring an end to your game quickly. Your sports podiatrist is available to provide you with the necessary care you need to remain in the game and off the sidelines this season. Whether you are a professional athlete or play sports just for fun, the demands made on your feet and lower limbs can lead to a range of injuries, including blisters, sprained ankles, torn ligaments, shin splints, and other joint or muscle problems.
Understanding Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are among the most common injuries in sports today. However, they are two different injuries. A sprain is a stretch and/or tear of a ligament, the fibrous band of connective tissue that joins the end of one bone with another. Ligaments stabilize and support the body's joints. For instance, ligaments in the knee connect the upper leg with the lower leg, enabling people to walk and run. On the other hand, a strain is an injury of a muscle or tendon, which is a fibrous cord of tissue that attaches the muscle to the bone.
A sprain is caused by direct or indirect trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the body that knocks a joint out of position. This then overstretches it and, in severe cases, ruptures the supporting ligaments. Typically, this injury occurs when a person lands on an outstretched arm, slides into a base, jumps up and lands on the side of the foot, or runs on an uneven surface.
Additionally, chronic strains are the result of overuse of muscles and tendons. Inadequate breaks for rest during intensive training precipitates the strain. An acute strain can occur because of a direct blow to the body, overstretching, or excessive muscle contraction. Professional athletes and amateur athletes, even those not participating in sports, can sustain sprains and strains.
Preventing and Treating Injuries
No one is immune to strains and sprains, and other injuries, but there are ways to prevent them with proper care:
*Participate in a conditioning program to build muscle strength
*Do stretching exercises daily
*Always wear properly fitting shoes
*Nourish your muscles by eating a well-balanced diet
*Warm up before any sports activity
*Use or wear protective equipment appropriate for that sport
If an injury does occur, the steps you can take to help yourself until you can reach your podiatrist in South Texas are easy to remember if you can recall the word "Rice."
*Rest. Get off your foot or ankle and restrict your activity
*Ice. Gently place a plastic bag of ice wrapped in a towel on the injured area to reduce swelling
*Compression. Lightly wrap with a bandage around the area, taking care not to pull too tight
*Elevation. To reduce swelling some more, sit in a position that allows you to elevate your foot and ankle higher than your waist.
Visiting your South Texas podiatrist should be your first step towards getting back on your feet after a sports injury. Your podiatrist not only can help treat your condition, but also provide you with helpful tips to prevent future sports injuries.
