Every time you step out onto the field to play, regardless of what sport, you always run the risk of acquiring some sort of injury. Repeated wear and tear can also take its toll, eventually leading to excessive stress on the joints and muscles, which can also lead to injury.
As a general rule, it is always important to listen to your body and learn the difference between good pain (general fatigue) and bad (dull or jolting pain, excessive fatigue).
At OHP, our team of Kelowna chiropractors and physiotherapists work closely with athletes, sports enthusiasts and active individuals in not just rehabilitating injuries but more importantly, prevent them from happening.
Below are the 5 most common sports injuries along with some important pointers on prevention:
Runner’s Knee
About 55% of sports injuries involve some injury to the knee. This is also one of the most common conditions that are treated by surgeons. While worn out cartilage and torn ligaments are common, it is grouped into the category, “runner’s knee,” which includes a number of aches and pains related to the kneecap.
This type of injury does not only affect runners, as it is also known to strike swimmers, cyclists, basketball, volleyball and football players, among others. Runner’s knee occurs when overuse leads to irritation of the tendon on the region below or underneath the kneecap.
Every time you step out onto the field to play, regardless of what sport, you always run the risk of acquiring some sort of injury. Repeated wear and tear can also take its toll, eventually leading to excessive stress on the joints and muscles, which can also lead to injury. As a general rule, it is always important to listen to your body and learn the difference between good pain (general fatigue) and bad (dull or jolting pain, excessive fatigue). At OHP, our team of Kelowna chiropractors and physiotherapists work closely with athletes, sports enthusiasts and active individuals in not just rehabilitating injuries but more importantly, prevent them from happening. Below are the 5 most common sports injuries along with some important pointers on prevention: Runner’s Knee About 55% of sports injuries involve some injury to the knee. This is also one of the most common conditions that are treated by surgeons. While worn out cartilage and torn ligaments are common, it is grouped into the category, “runner’s knee,” which includes a number of aches and pains related to the kneecap. This type of injury does not only affect runners, as it is also known to strike swimmers, cyclists, basketball, volleyball and football players, among others. Runner’s knee occurs when overuse leads to irritation of the tendon on the region below or underneath the kneecap. Prevention Investing in a quality pair of shoes is important. Replace worn out shoes and insoles regularly. When running, choose a softer surface instead of a hard pavement. A good preventive measure is to strengthen the quadriceps through weight training. Rest days between workouts are also equally important. You may also consider cross training to prevent overuse. Shoulder Injury Among the most common sports injuries include sprains, strains and dislocations. It is prevalent among swimmers, tennis players, weightlifters, baseball and volleyball players, or other sports that involves a lot of overhead movement. The most common cause of shoulder injuries is overuse, which can loosen the rotator cuff. Symptoms include stiffness, pain and weakness of the shoulder. Prevention A good way to prevent shoulder injury is to strengthen the shoulder muscles through weight training during off season. Ankle Sprain Another very common injury is ankle sprain, which often afflicts soccer, basketball, volleyball and hockey players. This type of injury is almost inevitable in sports that involve a lot of running, jumping and turning quickly, as these movements can lead to the twisting of the ankle, which can possibly cause a tear on the ligament or tendon. Prevention Like other preventive measures, strengthening the ankles through exercises such as ankle lifts on stairs as well as wearing a brace or taping can help prevent an injury. However, these measures do not guarantee total prevention of an ankle injury.
Tennis or Golf Elbow
Injuries to the elbow account for 7% of all sports injuries. It is most common among tennis players and golfers, resulting from degeneration in the elbow due to repeated backhand strokes. In particular, golf elbow affects the inside of the elbow and pain is often due to an inflammation of the epicondyle, the area on the inside of the elbow.
Prevention
The best way to prevent elbow injuries is to perform forearm strengthening exercises, such as wrist curls, reverse wrist curls and squeezing of a soft rubber ball. It is also critically important to spend time improving your swing technique and consider wearing an elbow brace.
Pulled Muscle
Pulled muscles can be caused by a number of factors such as lack of proper warm up, fatigue, muscle weakness and lack of flexibility. Among the muscle commonly pulled muscles are hamstrings and calves.
Prevention
Proper stretching is known to be the best way to prevent pulling a muscle. Make sure you spend adequate time stretching before and after an exercise. It is also important to avoid working out when you are weak and fatigued.
Prevention Is Key
As with any type of injury or health condition, prevention is key. Never undermine the importance of warm-ups and stretching. Learn to pace yourself according to your experience in the sport and skill level.