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[av_heading heading=’ FEEL THE GAME BOBBY MOTUS How to deal with sports-related injuries’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
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Sunday, October 8, 2017
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WE DO SPORTS because we like it, we enjoy it, but at some point in time, we had all experienced the pain and unpleasantness of some form of injury. Yes, even the weekend warrior types and occasional athletes are not exempt. Injuries vary from head to toe and are caused by either lack of preparation, fatigue or simply just being unlucky.
Because of body structure, women are more prone to injury than men. They generally have lower bone mass, lower muscle and tissue density, and changing levels of estrogen. Therefore, they have to be extra careful and cautious when engaging in sporting activities.
Experts had always advised that before we engage in any form of exercise or sports, there is a need for a warm-up. It increases blood flow and warms our muscles, and likewise boosts our breathing. Cold and tight muscles make us more prone to injuries.
The same fitness experts advised that it is best to stretch muscles after an exercise because they are already warmed up and will stretch easily.
Most sports-related fatalities are from head injuries. Bicycling, be it sport or recreational, is the top cause. Experts say that more than 80 percent of cycling-related head injuries could have been prevented with the proper use of helmets. Helmets could be cumbersome and others simply don’t like to wear them because they don’t look cool. Well, we could be colder than cool if we’d find ourselves lying stiff in a box with lighted candles and flowers around us. We just can’t prioritize safety over looks.
Long-term wear and tear and sports-related falls are known causes of torn rotator cuffs. These are a group of muscles and tendons on the shoulder. Usually, it can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, therapy and ice packs. Extreme cases would need surgery.
Common among weightlifters, golfers and batted sports athletes are lower back injuries. Too much weight and twisting can injure disks between vertebrae. Slipped disks or ruptured disks happen. In worst cases, surgery will be required.
Runners, dancers, aerobic instructors, and, to some extent, cheerleaders, because of repeated stress on the knees and legs, are prone to irritated cartilage and inflammation of muscles, tendons and tissues on the kneecaps and shin bone. These are called runners’ knee and shin splints, caused by repeated pounding of the legs on the surface. In other words, overuse. Rest and cold compress usually solve the problem.
The most injured body part is the ankle. It has the largest tendon in the body, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Achilles tendinitis happens when tendons become inflamed due to repeated stress and when microscopic tears on the tendons develop, it becomes tendinosis. Usually, therapy, rest and ice packs treat both injuries, but if tendons get ruptured, it could require surgery.
Related to ankle injuries are plantar fasciitis. The connective tissue along the bottom of the foot is called the plantar fascia, and constant pressure on the foot causes the injury. Rest and good supportive shoes help.
There is a difference between sprains and strains. Sprains happen when tissues or ligaments that connect bones to each other get twisted. We commonly get this on our knees, ankles and wrists. Strains, on the other hand, happen when tendons and muscles are overstretched.
Unless injuries are serious and require immediate medical attention, they can all be treated with RICE. Not the NFA, Ganador or Sinandomeng kind. RICE means Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Yes, it is best to take it easy when we feel pain on our joints. As soon as possible, and to prevent swelling and lessen pain, take a rest from the activity. Ice packs lessen the pain and controls swelling. Wrap the troubled area with elastic bandage to minimize movement and likewise help decrease swelling. When sitting or lying down, elevate the injured area above or at the level of the heart, also to minimize swelling.
Sports and recreational activities are fun. They are stress relievers. Let’s take and observe all necessary precautions and enjoy what we like without the pain and agony of injury./PN
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