Common Sports Injuries

Are you a weekend warrior? If you are, you already know that you need to workout harder in order to keep up with everyone else that works out most days of the week. While it doesn’t seem fair, you do need to slow things down when you’re not working out on a regular basis. In doing so, you will prevent many of the common sports injuries that plague others just like you.

Where Do You Hurt?

Whether you’re a seasoned exerciser or not, there are certain injuries that come up for those who are active. Some of the most common sports injuries include:

• Knee injuries – The knee is always under attack, even during low impact sports. It keeps the body stable and it can move from side to side. Shocking movements to your knee can cause irreparable damage and chronic pain.
• Back injuries – Since the core is a part of the body that is used in all movements, when it lacks strength, it is unable to support the back, leading to back injuries.
• Sprains and strains – Simple muscle strains and joint sprains are very common in the sports world.

You might have injuries in other areas as well, but these are the top contenders for injuries today.

Preventing Injuries

You can actually prevent most of the common sports injuries that occur.

• Warm up – You need to allow your body a chance to warm up before it moves around. Walk around a bit before heading into your workout.
• Stretch – Some experts say to stretch before your workout, some say after. Either way, make sure your muscles are warmed up before you stretch them out.
• Go slow – If you’re not in the best shape, make sure you’re not trying to push your body too hard. This will lead to injuries.
• Weight train – When your muscles are stronger, they can handle more stress from a workout.

You can prevent injuries from simply working out a little at a time, resting between workouts, and slowly increasing your weight or speed.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have a sports injury, you can typically manage it on your own. But when the pain isn’t subsiding, it’s time to call in medical help. Here are some signs you need to see a doctor:

• The area swells rapidly.
• The area becomes black and blue.
• The bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes.
• The limb or area looks disfigured.
• You are knocked unconscious.
• You can not perform daily activities.

Don’t be a tough guy (or girl). If you’re hurt, get help and you’ll be back to your weekend warrioring before you know it.