10 Tips to Prevent Sports Injury
Kids today are increasingly likely to play their chosen sport year-round. However, more time on the field or court can lead to a greater risk of experiencing a sports-related injury, including runner’s knee, ankle sprain, concussion, shoulder injury, ACL, or meniscus tear. Dr. Brian Cohen, Orthopedic Surgeon and his team sees patients of all ages for these and more.
Ideally, you will prevent the injuries before needing to see a doctor. Here are 10 tips on helping you do that.
- Communicate with your athlete and be sure you’re on the same page about pain. Playing through pain can lead to serious injuries or make some injuries worse. Make sure your athlete understands he or she should speak up if experiencing pain or something that doesn’t feel right.
- Get a preseason or back-to-school physical. Sports physicals help assess areas of concern before starting an activity.
- Encourage cross-training and a variety of sports. A variety of sports can work out a variety of muscles and joints. It’s important to change it up so you’re not straining the same muscles and joints.
- Always warm up. Stretching is an important prevention technique. Static stretches like toe touches and dynamic stretches such as jumping jacks are both essential.
- Rest is needed. Athletes of all ages should rest between practices, games, and events. A lack of sleep and muscle fatigue can cause injury.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. A diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help protect and strengthen joints.
- Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Heat-related illness is of concern for hot and humid days. Always watch for signs of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or confusion.
- Protective equipment, such as helmets, pads and shoes are important for preventing an injury.
- Typically, there’s always a wrong and right way of doing things. Proper technique is important. Always follow the guidelines to prevent injury. It only takes one time for a shoulder injury or concussion.
- Athletes usually will alter the way they do things because of pain. Altering the routine can cause serious injury. Especially if it goes against the proper techniques as mentioned in #9.
Unfortunately, accidents do happen. When they do the team at Cohen Orthopedic is here to help! We offer same day, next day appointments. To schedule, call 614-788-0375 or visit cohenorthopedic.com.
