Thursday, July 12, 2012

How to prevent sports injuries


What is a sports injury?

There are various outdoor and indoor sports involving young and active athletes. These young sportsmen come across a variety of risks which may compromise the bone and muscle strength due to thrusts, fall, a hit by a co player or ball, a jolt or twisting of leg, ankle etc. Whenever there is an injury to the body in the ground premises while playing a sport, it is referred to as a sports injury. Such type of injuries include fractures of big and small bones, ACL ligament tear, tendon ruptures, meniscal tears and joint instabilities which are best treated well trusted sports medicine doctor at theNew York center.

General guidelines for an injury free athlete

An examination before participation

A wellness certificate the doctor stating the fitness of the individual for the sport he wants to play is always beneficial to identify any disease which the patient may not be aware and prevent a medical emergency during sport.

Follow rules of sport

Rules of the sport are designed to encourage safety of athletes. It is beneficial to follow rules of conduct like illegal blocks and tackles for safe participation.


Warm up and cool down

A gradual body conditioning by doing gentle sustained stretches, walking, running and jogging helps bring up the heart rate of the person and thus prepares the body for active participation while also preventing unexpected injuries. A cool down of tissues is equally important to maintain the cardiac output and respiratory rate.

Exercises specific to particular sport

Sports like volley ball, golf or tennis require repetitive movements. Hence it if far more important to strengthen a particular muscle group more than general body muscles which is concerned with these movements.

Hydration

Drinking good amount of water 30 minutes before activity and every 20 minutes in between the sport is extremely beneficial and prevents dehydration during and after sport.

Protective Gear

This includes use of gear and safety equipments like mouth pads, helmets, gloves, knee pads  both during practice sessions and game, so that the individual is not accidentally hurt.

Concussions

Educating the parents as well as the athlete about concussions does not only help prevent worsening of the physical condition but also protect the player from getting harmed again. Thus it is important to recognize the signs of concussion and the athlete must be stopped and sent to the sports doctor at NYC.

Rest periods

A break must be given in between the practice sessions, 1-2 days off in a week and 10 weeks off when the sport is played all year. This will prevent overuse injuries and repeated muscular fatigue.

Emergency situations

Ask for a coach who is certified for giving first aid and CPR. Keep parents, doctors’ and an emergency contact always handy.

Know when to stop

Pain isan important warning sign and an indication to stop and prevents risk of a careless untimely injury.

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