How to Play Sports Without Injuring Yourself
Are you ready to enter the world of amateur sports as an older adult? You will likely have concerns about your physical safety, particularly in terms of your risks for injuries considering your age and physical condition.
Fortunately, you can take the appropriate measures to reduce your risks for injuries for the most common sports-related injuries.
These are the most common injuries for both professional and amateur athletes who engage in running, jumping and stopping/starting too quickly. Many injuries fall under this category including strained hamstrings, sprained ankles, and bicep tendinitis. While sprains and strains can be remedied with home care measures including the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) protocol, these injuries should still be seen by a doctor for proper medical treatment especially when symptoms of a possible infection appear.
Strengthening your muscles; adopting a flexibility regimen; and wearing protective gear can reduce the risks for sprains and strains. Your flexibility regimen should consist of both eccentric and concentric exercises, too.
- Achilles tear
Athletes who are engaged in running and jumping are more likely to experience Achilles tendinitis, the inflammation of the Achilles tendon usually as a result of overuse although it can also be a result of trauma; the Achilles tendon is located at the back of your ankle.
You can reduce your risks for Achilles tendinitis by adopting a balanced flexibility and strengthening program; wearing the right shoes; and warming up and cooling down before and after your exercise.
- Shin splints
These injuries are characterized by pain on the inside of your shin caused by the inflammation of the muscles around your shinbone. You are at high risk for shin splints when you are trying out a new sport or increasing the intensity of your workout.
Your best bets against shin splints are to wear the proper shoes, stretch your calves by working them out with eccentric and concentric exercises, and performing gentle exercise for strengthening your feet.
But let’s face it: You will still be at risk for developing these three common sports injuries because you are engaged in sports, which demand physical activity. You should seek medical attention at any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one in Temecula by Murrieta, Fallbrook, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, and Sun City, when you experience any of these injuries. The earlier your treatment, the faster you can recover.
For your medical needs in sports injuries, come to any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one in Perris by Nuevo, Sun City, Canyon Lake, Homeland, Romoland, and Lakeview.
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Perris by Nuevo, Sun City, Canyon Lake, Homeland, Romoland, and Lakeview. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.