Sport and exercise in general are excellent for our health – both physical and mental. But experiencing an injury can undo all of your hard work. Here are the top 3 sports injuries, and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Runner’s Knee
The scourge of runners everywhere is runner’s knee. This is actually a term used to describe several conditions that cause pain in the knee, such as anterior knee pain syndrome, iliotibial band syndrome and chondromalacia patella. This pain, depending on the condition, may also come with swelling, redness and tenderness. With some of these conditions it is possible to continue exercising, with others a significant rest and recovery period is needed.
Although known as runner’s knee, these issues can affect anyone.
How to avoid it? The best way is to keep your leg muscles strong so that your knee isn’t put under any undue stress. Exercises such as squats and lunges can help. As well as this, consider getting your gait assessed to check whether the way you walk or run is the underlying cause.
2. Pulled Muscles
Pulled muscles (or muscle strains) happen when the muscle is overstretched or torn. They can occur during exercise or even during day to day life if your muscles are tired. You might notice pain, tenderness or weakness, swelling and you may not be able to put weight on it or use it properly.
Recovery from pulled muscles takes time, with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).
To avoid pulled muscles, make sure you warm up properly before exercising. Boosting your flexibility through stretching can also help.
3. Broken Bones
Broken bones are most likely to occur after a fall or some other kind of impact, and symptoms include swelling, bruising and pain when you put weight on it or touch it. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may also be able to see it – it may look deformed, or the bone could be poking through the skin.
Broken bones can have a long recovery time, often involving a plaster cast – which can keep you away from your sport for a significant period of time.
Although broken bones often come from an unfortunate fall or collision, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting one – such as wearing the correct safety gear, following the rules of the sport, ensuring you are fit and strong and making sure you have the correct shoes for the sport.
Sports Injuries? Musculoskeletal Therapy Can Help…
If you are unlucky enough to experience a sporting injury, our musculoskeletal therapy and sports rehabilitation services can help you. Following an assessment of your injury, we will put together a full treatment plan designed to help you return to full fitness – and avoid future injuries.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) therapy is a form of physical therapy that focuses on the joints, muscles and tendons to improve function and take you back to peak fitness.
You can book your initial appointment online, or phone us on 01606 45077 to discuss your treatment options.
