How to Prevent Sports Injuries
If you are an athlete or have a child who is an athlete, you want to do all you can to prevent a sport-related injury.
Why is it so important? Because sports injuries are common. One out of three child athletes experience a sports-related injury that keeps them out of the game.
Though it's not possible to prevent every injury, there are steps you can take to prevent you from being sidelined from your game.
Proper Conditioning
If you play sports, you need to train adequately. If you are someone who plays their game on weekends or just a few days a week, keeping up with proper conditioning is especially important. You should work out regularly to play your best and help prevent injuries.
Always Wear Proper Equipment
Some athletes feel they don't need to wear some or all protective gear.
Responsible athletes wear protective equipment to prevent injuries and can be role models for others. Protective gear can include protective pads, mouth guards, helmets, or gloves.
Also, the equipment must fit properly. Never play without adequately fitting protective equipment as you are more at risk for injury.
Follow the Rules of the Game
Rules are designed for a reason: to keep athletes safe. It is especially important for those that play contact sports. Not only may you injure yourself, but you are at risk of injuring others.
Learn and follow proper rules of conduct. Also, it is essential to respect the enforcement of referees, umpires, or coaches who are managing the game. The rules for the sport you play are in place to keep everyone safe.
Allow for Rest
You are more at risk for injury when you have more days or training consecutively. Athletes need to balance training days with rest. It allows you to perform better on the days you play your game.
The more you train, the better you'll play is not necessarily the case. Rest is just as important as conditioning. It prevents injuries due to overuse and body fatigue.
Avoid playing sports when you are tired. It increases your risk of injury significantly.
Pay Attention to Pain
If you notice pain when you train or play your game, pay attention to it. Do not ignore the signs. Playing despite pain can only make the possible injury worse. See an orthopaedic doctor if you suspect an injury.
Warm-Up Before You Play
Warming up the muscles is extremely important to prevent injuries. Make sure you are doing the right warm-up exercises for your sport. Warm-up can include stretching, slowly practicing, and even mental conditioning. Follow your coach's suggestions, and do not cut corners when warming up for the game.
Where Can I Find a Doctor of Orthopedic Sports Medicine Near Me?
At Pinnacle Sports Medicine Specialty Center, we say: "No injury too great, no athlete too small"!
Our team has years of experience treating athletes of all ages and at all levels. Our sports medicine doctors use up-to-date technology and surgical techniques to provide the best possible care to our patients. We believe in high-quality orthopedic care, so our specialists are fellowship-trained, focusing on a range of injuries acute to chronic.
Injuries still happen even when we do everything right to prevent them. If you or your child has a sports-related injury, then Pinnacle Orthopaedics can treat you so you can get back to your game.
We have four convenient locations that specialize in sports medicine and treating orthopaedic injuries:
Visit us today! We look forward to being a partner with you to address your orthopedic needs.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.