6 Tips to Prevent Sports Injuries
Whether you are involved with sports for fitness, fun, or competition, you do not want to be injured on the sidelines. All participants prefer to avoid forced inactivity and time away from the game. While it is impossible to prevent every injury, preventative actions are helpful. Our orthopedic surgeon in Altamonte Springs recommends these tips for sports injury prevention.
Don’t forget to warm up
Warming up and cooling down are more than just athletic rituals. They gradually transition your body from neutral states into readiness for the ambitious moves and high speeds required for athletic activity. Warm-ups focused on isometrics protect your muscles and provide the flexibility needed for athletic action. Begin your workout with light preparation and stretching to get your muscles ready. Cooling down will gradually return your body to a resting state that prevents injury and promotes overall physical health.
Wear proper protective gear
Gloves, helmets, mouth guards, protective pads, and other equipment protect every player, not just those you think are weak. Adequately fitted protective gear can guard your head, eyes, teeth, hands, and knees against potential injury. If you were injured in the past, it is even more essential to protect that muscle or ligament during sports activities. Wearing a brace provides the compression and support your muscles require for healing. In addition, they protect the area and reduce pain during movement.
Know the rules
Most of the rules in sports keep you safe. Knowing the game's rules is particularly critical for athletes involved in contact sports. Learn them and follow them closely. Respect the rules for illegal procedures and insist that judges, umpires, and referees enforce them during play. These rules exist to keep you and other athletes safe and healthy.
Get plenty of sleep
The human body heals when it is in a state of rest. Athletes should get at least eight hours of sleep every night, though student-athletes may require even more. It is also essential to take breaks when your body is tired. Overtraining can cause injury, and if every training session includes hard workouts, your body will not have adequate time to heal. In addition, this overtraining can make you lose form, which dramatically increases your risk of injury.
Maintain a nutritious diet
A healthy diet is a crucial element of injury-free sports play. Eat regularly to avoid long periods between meals, and eat snacks to supplement low energy levels. Consume plenty of lean protein because it is vital to repair and growth. In addition, fiber, vegetables, and fruits will keep you in optimal condition for sports activities. Finally, try to eat mostly unprocessed foods and stay hydrated both off and on the field.
See a physician before the season starts
Schedule a physical before the start of the season to see if anything needs to addressing before you begin competitive play. Preventative medicine is the most effective way to avoid sports injuries. Plus, you can be treated for any new issues, no matter how minor they seem.