When you think about orthopedics, you most likely envision physicians who help you rehabilitate from accidents that can frequently occur from participating in sports. But did you know that our Raleigh orthopedic doctors and surgeons also strive to help you prevent sports injuries?
Common Sports Injuries and Prevention
Below you’ll find a list of the most common sports injuries we see in our office and how we advise our patients to avoid them.
Common Sports Injury: Strains and Sprains
The difference between a strain and a sprain is that a sprain involves the band of tissue connecting bones together. A strain occurs when there is damage to muscle or to the tissue that attaches muscle to a bone.
Prevention:
Often, one of the best ways of preventing strains and sprains is taking time to stretch and warm up. This provides enough time for your joints to get ready. You should also be sure to warm up if you haven’t exercised regularly, as lack of activity can put you at risk for a strain or sprain, particularly if you are starting a new exercise regimen.
If you do repetitive motions either while playing sports or during your work day, be sure to take frequent breaks and give yourself time to stretch and relax.
In addition, it’s equally important to invest in the right equipment, such as a good pair of well-fitting shoes with reliable tread. This can prevent slipping during activity or tasks of daily life.
Common Sports Injury and Prevention: Torn Rotator Cuff
You don’t have to be a baseball pitcher or avid tennis player to sustain a rotator cuff injury. These can occur any time you repeatedly raise your hands above your head.
Prevention:
Did you know that the shoulder has a greater range of motion than any other joint in your body? Because of this, you should engage in a preventive exercise program that gently works and supports the rotator cuff muscles. This may include retracting the shoulder blades or stretching the chest.
Want more information? We’ll be glad to provide some simple, straightforward exercises that can help you prevent rotator cuff problems.
Common Sports Injury and Prevention: Dislocations
A dislocation happens when two connected bones slip out of their “sockets” or positions within a joint. These are most commonly seen after falls during contact sports. Dislocations most often affect the:
- Fingers
- Shoulders
- Hips
- Elbows
- Knees
Prevention:
In order to prevent dislocating your shoulder or another joint, be sure to wear any required protective clothing if you’re participating in contact sports. A regular exercise routine will help ensure your muscles and tendons are strong so they can support your joint.
If you are overweight or obese, you could be putting additional pressure on your joints, which can place you at greater risk for an injury. If you’re interested in starting a comprehensive workout, speak to us about ways to begin your routine safely.
Common Sports Injury and Prevention: Shin Splints
This is an overuse injury that can frequently occur in those who are regular runners or even those who are developing osteoporosis. It occurs when your lower leg muscles and bones become irritated, placing them at greater risk of becoming stress fractures.
Prevention:
Be sure to stretch adequately before beginning your exercise routine and wear good running or athletic shoes that will provide the support you need. If you can exercise on softer surfaces, we encourage you to do so.
Remember that maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the stress on your joints.
Common Sports Injury and Prevention: Fractures
These are some of the most common injuries and one of the main reasons patients seek our services. Fractures can happen at any time, regardless of whether you’re playing team sports or simply climbing a flight of stairs.
Treatment depends upon the scope and severity of the fracture. In some cases, physical therapy may be required to help you completely heal.
Prevention:
If you’re playing a high-contact sport, be sure to wear protective equipment. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up and cool down. Don’t play a contact sport unless you’re already familiar with the rules of the game, and don’t play if you’re injured or have a strain or sprain.
The Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic Is Ready to Help With Common Sports Injuries and Prevention
As one of the few community-based practices, our orthopedic doctors in Raleigh have treated a wide range of sports injuries. Equally important, we provide education and guidelines on how you can avoid these injuries.
When we evaluate your condition, we always seek non-surgical solutions first, taking a conservative, yet effective approach to orthopedics. Whether you’re seeking treatment for a fracture, a torn tendon or other common injury, our compassionate, board-certified doctors are ready to serve you.
And if you do need surgery, our orthopedic doctors are affiliated with five local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers in Raleigh and the Triangle area, which presents you with a wide variety of options for where you’d like to receive treatment.
If you’ve been injured, we urge you to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible, as a delay can cause the situation to get worse.
Scheduling an appointment is easy. Simply contact us to get started.
