There is a tremendous upside to staying physically active. Exercising and participating in sports can provide obvious physical benefits, but they also enhance mood, lead to better sleep, and can play a role in developing friendships. Unfortunately, physical movement often exposes the body to risk of injury. This especially holds true as we look at sports injuries caused by tremendous exertion of energy.
Common Sports Injuries
There is a wide array of injuries that can be sustained during athletic contests and practices, but some tend to be more common than others, including:
Ankle Sprains
Even looking outside of sports, ankle sprains are simply one of the most common injuries that humans sustain. They can happen from misjudging a step or not noticing an indention in the lawn, but sporting events certainly increase the risk. This condition happens when the ankle twists further than intended and the ligaments become excessively stretched or even torn.
Stress Fractures
Some broken bones do not happen as the result of a single traumatic event. Instead, stress fractures are cracks that develop due to a repetitive application of force, as can happen when running or jumping repeatedly. The pain often starts at a low level, but worsens over time and is greatest following physical activity.
Achilles Tendinitis and Rupture
The Achilles tendon connects the lower calf muscle to the heel bone and plays an integral role in movement. This means that the tendon is used with every step. When faced with intense or repetitive strain, the Achilles can become inflamed and cause pain. In the event of sudden, intense force, the tendon can even rupture. Achilles tendon injuries often happen to “weekend warriors,” those men and women who are fairly inactive during the week but engage in weekend sporting events.
Turf Toe
During football and baseball seasons, athletes and fans always dread hearing the words “turf toe,” but many people are unfamiliar with this injury. Turf toe is simply a matter of the big toe extending backwards excessively to the point where its ligaments become sprained. Even though the condition is frequently associated with ball sports, it is also rather prevalent in the world of dancing.
Sports can cause many other injuries, too, such as black or ingrown toenails, neuromas, dislocations, blisters, corns and calluses.
Sports Injury Treatment
Injury on the field, court, track, or course is unfortunate, but the good news is that many common sports injuries are treated with the use of conservative methods. Rest, ice, elevation, compression, and medication can be particularly effective when used correctly. For some injuries, the affected area may need to be immobilized with the use of a cast or brace.
Preventing Sports Injuries
Of course, the best form of treatment is to prevent an injury from happening in the first place. Whereas this is not always possible, there are steps you can take to decrease the risk, including:
- Wear shoes that fit properly. Too many foot and ankle problems develop because footwear does not fit as it should. Shoes need to cradle the heel, but provide room for toes to wiggle. They should also provide adequate cushioning and arch support.
- Warm up and stretch. Prepare for your sporting event or practice by warming up to prepare your body for activity. Dynamic stretching is best prior to exercise or competition, and static stretches should be done afterwards.
- Ease into activity. Trying to do “too much, too soon” is another cause of many injuries. When you start a new workout routine or join a recreational sporting league, avoid the temptation to give too much effort before your body is ready to do so.
- Cross-train. Mixing in low-impact activities while you train is a great way to decrease the risk of injury and improve your overall wellness at the same time.
Effective Sports Injury Treatment in Vestal, NY
We hope you stay safe while participating in your favorite sporting activities, but physical activity always comes with that risk of injury. When the injury bug strikes, make your appointment with Southern Tier Podiatry and find the care you need here at our Vestal, NY office. Give us a call at (607) 217-5668 or (607) 217 5689 or contact us online today.
