If you enjoy being in the field, you already know that it brings the risk of sports injuries. Although you cannot completely prevent injuries when practicing or playing, you can reduce your risk. Additionally, through sports medicine Bayonne, your provider can treat common sports injuries, such as sprains, strains, muscle cramps, and shin splints, to get you back into the game. Below are some suggestions to help improve your game and reduce your risk of injuries.
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Wear the right protective gear
Many sports require you to wear protective gear to keep you from getting hurt. There are different gears, and the sport you play dictates the kind of equipment you wear. Helmets are a common protective gear; they cover and protect your head while playing different sports, including football, baseball, softball, hockey, and inline skating, to name a few. Ensure the right helmet based on your sport; for instance, do not wear your football helmet when playing baseball. Additionally, you want to ensure it is the right size; your helmet should fit snuggly but comfortably.
Other protective gears include mouthguards and pads to protect your wrist, elbow, or knees. Some sports also require special shoes; for example, you may need cleats if you play baseball, football, soccer, or softball. Cleats are shoes with special rubber on the soles to help your feet grip the ground. Ask your coach about the gear you need, then wear it whenever you practice or play.
Warm up before practice or the game
It is never a good idea to bolt onto the field and start practicing or playing. Always take a few minutes to warm up your muscles by doing some stretches. Light cardio and stretches allow your muscles to adjust to sudden movements and become more flexible.
Know the rules of the game
You are most likely to injure yourself and others if you do not know the game’s rules. But when you understand the rules, you and other players know what to expect from each other. For example, in soccer, it is safer to go after the ball than the player. Therefore, you shouldn’t come from behind or crash into a player’s leg to steal the ball. If you play a sport that uses play, it helps to understand your role; this will help you say out of harm’s way.
Allow your injuries to heal
If you are a sports lover, it might be tempting to resume playing before an injury heals. Unfortunately, returning too quickly from an injury increases your risk of re-injuring yourself or developing a complication. Playing before an injury heals can lead to worse damage, which may require you to stay on the sideline longer. Therefore, you want to be honest with your coach if you’ve been hurt. When necessary, seek medical help for your injuries and follow their advice about when to return to the field.
To learn more about minimizing your sports injury risk, consult your Orange Orthopedic Associates specialist.
