Sports are a healthy outlet for children and adults alike in improving physical fitness and creating fun memories. That’s why growing numbers of people of all ages participate in at least one sport. Still, it isn’t all fun and games in the sports world.
Sports participation always carries a risk of suffering injuries. Contact sports can lead to traumatic injuries. Even in non-contact sports, athletes can suffer from overuse injuries. Injuries can typically affect either ligaments, tendons, muscles or bones. Common injuries include sprains, strains, tears and stress fractures.
No athlete can completely avoid suffering an injury. There are many things you can do, however, to minimize your risk for injuries:
Take time off: Give your body at least one day of rest per week to recover. Work in break periods during practices and games to allow your body time to rest.
Wear protective gear: Players should dress with the appropriate protective gear for their sport at all times. This can include padding, helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, eyewear and protective cups. For a great selection of protective gear, you can always turn to Schuylkill Valley Sports.
Strengthen muscles: Use conditioning exercises during practice and incorporate weight training to boost your muscle strength. It will help reduce the occurrence of muscle fatigue during games, which often leads to injuries.
Improve flexibility: Stretch your muscles before and after games and practices. This helps reduce cramping and tightness in your muscles and joints.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after athletic competition to avoid heat-induced injuries. Avoid practicing in extreme hot/humid weather whenever possible and always wear light clothing.
Acknowledge pain: If you feel any type of pain from tightness to soreness, stop competing and rest. Pushing through pain can turn a minor injury into a major one.