How Can You Avoid Sports-Related Injuries? 

Active people enjoy pushing themselves and developing their skills and strengths with new or more intense physical activity. This is how great athletes are made, but it’s also how great athletes get injured. If you’re the type to push yourself to the edge, you may find yourself injured or very, very sore one day. That’s why it’s important to know what you can do to prevent injury, especially the kind that can require surgery or early retirement.

To prevent sports-related injuries, most orthopedic professionals recommend a combination of strength building, stretching, protective gear and self-awareness. Depending on your specific sport or level of physicality, you’ll need to decide what’s right for you. 

However, below are some tips to keep in mind when practicing or training for a sporting event. 

Build strength 

Consistent, reasonable weightlifting and strength training activities are a good way to prevent injuries on the court or field. Not only do stronger muscles prevent ligament and soft tissue damage, but your body will be able to withstand more impact and faster movement. Focus on consistent, safe activities like reasonable weightlifting, biking, hiking, etc.

Start stretching

It sounds too simple, but stretching is one of the best ways to prevent injuries. Warm-up activities before you break into a run, as well as cool-down stretches before you go home, are great for you. Not only does it make you more flexible, but it ensures that you don’t hyperextend a muscle that was tight from other activities or lack of movement. It also increases blood flow to your muscles, which makes them stronger and more reactive. 

Wear the right gear

If you play football, wear a helmet. If you’re a soccer player, make sure to wear your cleats and protective headband. Baseball, rugby and other sports all come with their own gear, as well. Make sure you wear it – it could save you from major injury! 

Stop if you’re hurt 

While it sounds obvious, how many people actually stop playing when they get hurt? Unless it’s a severe injury, many people will try to “play through the pain,” which can actually cause long-term damage and make a small injury a much more severe one. Make sure that you pull yourself out of the training, exercise or game to make sure your injury can be managed early. You’ll thank yourself later.

Be self-aware

Getting into the game and playing with your teammates or friends can be so fun and so consuming that you forget to watch out for yourself. Maybe you push yourself too far or don’t stop to cool down or drink some water. But pushing yourself too hard, and not listening to your body when it reaches its limits, can ultimately lead to injury. Know your limits and listen to your body when it says “Time to slow down.”

Avoiding sports injuries isn’t always possible. People can crash into you, you can fall and freak accidents can just happen. But you should do everything to limit your exposure to risk. Whether that means upgrading your safety gear or focusing on stretching before a game, you’ll need to find what makes the most sense for you and stick to it. 

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119