Guide to Sports Injury Prevention and Treatment

Injuries incurred during sports activities are an issue that most athletes and coaches are accustomed to. They can cause physical pain to the athlete, but in many cases can disable the entire team. An injured team member can cause setbacks in game performance and can have enduring influence on the season as well. Like a team is affected by a missing member, a disabled body part has a negative impact on the entire body. Lower-leg conditions such as shin splints, ankle injuries, and twisted knees can be caused by improper form, lack of flexible muscle tone, and overuse of the areas below the knees. As reported by medical doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, most athletes suffer from shin splints at one point or another. Here are ways to avoid and heal these painful problems, as well as averting other common sports injuries.

The Mechanics of Shin Splints

Shin splints cause symptoms such as pain in the front or side areas of the lower leg. The pain can be dramatic and excruciating, especially when putting pressure on the affected leg. There can also be swelling in the area that can produce tightness as well as produce visible inflammation and tenderness around the muscles. No matter what type of sport, from soccer to baseball any athlete can be affected by these conditions. It is essential that treatment for shin splints  be commenced within minutes to jump-start the tissue repair process. The most common shin splints treatment recommended by sports injury specialists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the painful area for one to two days. Ongoing physical therapy and strengthening exercises include strength training moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the front leg muscles that surround the shin bone.

Twisting Injuries: How Weak Muscles Affect the Tendons and Ligaments

Twisting injuries are also commonly seen in impact-type sports. This is caused by either a blunt-force injury, which cannot be prevented, or from weak muscles of the knee, lower leg, and ankle. Weak muscles can be strengthened with weight bearing or movements recommended by a sports therapist that target the muscular areas that support the knees and ankles. Weak muscles lead to tendons and ligaments that cannot hold the bones and muscles together tightly so that simple movements or motions can cause twisting injuries. Another effective measure for avoiding these types of injuries are to be sure the feet have proper arch support.  This can be accomplished through sports orthotic inserts that support the foot during impact. The medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic also advise taping the arch for added foot arch support during games.

Tearing Injuries Commonly Suffered

Spraining of the ligaments or tendons are also typical kinds of sports-related injuries. This is most commonly found in the connecting structures of the knees and back of the heels. An Achilles injury is commonly caused by little flexibility in the heel tendon due to improper stretching exercises. This is a vital part in the preparation procedure that cannot be overlooked. Mild stretches without force are suggested for anyone about to exercise. Experts in kinesiology advise a half-minute stretch followed by a short rest and then a repeat stretch. ACL (Anterior cruciate ligaments) are located in the knee and help maintain the knee structure together. Injuries to this area can be avoided by strength training the knee and lower leg through leg extension exercises and curls. The right orthotic inserts  can help avoid both of these kinds of injuries by supplying proper arch support, alignment of the feet, and cushion.