Avoiding injury when playing sports

• If the body is not well hydrated when playing sport or exercising, cramp or injury may occur.
• Warming up properly is extremely important because it can reduce the risk of sports injury.
• Surgical treatment for sports related injuries may be the best solution for some specific types of injury that maintains full recovery.

Exercising or playing sports in an inappropriate manner unsuitable for the body, as well as playing sports in a dangerous environment, can cause an injury. The injury could be minor or serious injury and can affect any part of the body. It depends on the type of exercise being carried out or the sport being played. The most common injuries affect large muscle groups, such as hamstring injuries and tend to affect runners. Shoulder injuries are also quite common and tennis players are more likely to experience them when compared to players of other sports.

Overuse injury

As a rule, the more you use a body part, the greater the chance of injury. For example, some sportsmen and women train to run a certain distance, but deep down would like to run further. Thus, they may compete at a distance which is further than the distance for which they trained. Such bad choices can potentially lead to injury. At the same time, some athletes or players will be recovering from a minor injury, yet will choose to play a sport or exercise in a way that requires the use of that injured area. As a result, this aggravates the injury and potentially causes a muscle tear that can be much more serious than their initial injury.

Accidental injury

 Injuries resulting in accidents while playing sports or exercising differ in severity. It depends on the power exerted or speed of the action at that time. Heavy tackles, impacts and losses of balance which lead to falls are usually what causes these types of injuries. Such injuries usually occur in the part of the body one is using, such as a joint slip or dislocation, muscle tears or bone fractures. In some cases, injuries may even become life threatening if not treated appropriately and within a certain amount of time.

Use the appropriate equipment

Those who play sport or exercise regularly must wear the appropriate clothing for the type of activity. This includes high-quality safety apparatus, such as a cycling helmet that will protect your head in case of an accident. Or, goalkeepers have to wear the correct gloves when playing to prevent wrist or finger fractures. This is also true for marathon runners who are prone to knee joint inflammation. They should wear a jumper’s knee support when competing or training.

Preparation

Athletes need to be aware of their individual limitations and what they need to do in order to prepare for exercise. They should be observant of any irregular feelings their body may be experiencing. It’s essential to be aware of whether one is fatigued or not hydrated enough for exercise. This is because if the body becomes dehydrated, cramp or injury may occur with much greater frequency.

Stretching muscles before and after exercise

Warming up by stretching the muscles which will be used during exercise is extremely important. It will ensure that those muscles are loose and ready for action, thus reducing the chance of an injury occurring. Additionally, incorporate a  cooldown in every session. This will help the muscles cool down and ensure that the heart rate returns to normal. Moreover, be careful and get to know techniques used to absorb impacts properly. Also, take care when playing sports or exercising. Finally, try to understand the correct way to absorb an impact during an accident. Knowing the appropriate way to fall should become a natural movement to reduce the impact on the body.

If you are suffering from injuries when playing sports or exercising, don’t be afraid. You should arrange a visit to a specialist doctor who will analyze the severity of the injury. Accordingly, he/she will prescribe an appropriate form of treatment. The doctor will usually carry out an assessment and subsequent diagnosis of the injury. First, he/she will check how far the injured body part can be extended. Then the doctor will see whether or not you can move your joint normally. After that, he/she will inquire about whether the injury is having an effect on your daily life. If it is deemed to be a minor injury, doctors may recommend a course of physical therapy. Alternatively, you could train in order to build muscle around the affected area so that the injured body part makes a complete recovery to full strength.

Sometimes, surgical treatment for sports related injuries can sometimes be the best option available. Surgery can ensure the injured body part makes a full recovery. However, doctors only use this form of treatment when absolutely necessary.

Exercising or playing sports in an inappropriate manner unsuitable for the body of the player, as well as playing sports in a dangerous environment, have the potential to cause an injury. Both minor and serious injuries can affect any part of the body, depending on the form of exercise being carried out or the sport being played. The most common injuries affect large muscle groups, such as hamstring injuries, which tend to affect runners or shoulder injuries that tennis players experience more often than players of other sports.