Bodily injuries while practicing sports are occurrences that athletes and coaches are accustomed to. They can cause physical pain to the athlete, but in many cases can disable the entire team. An ousted team member can cause setbacks in game performance and can have lasting results on the season as well. Similar to the way a team is influenced by a benched member, an injured body part has a negative impact on the entire body. Injuries such as weak knee injuries, shin plints, and twisted ankles can be caused by bad form, lack of flexibility, and too much use of the areas below the knees. Cited by medical physicians at the Cleveland Clinic, most athletes suffer from shin splints at one point or another. Here are ways to prevent and treat these painful conditions, as well as preventing other frequent sports injuries.
How Sports Can Cause Shin Splints to Occur
Shin splints cause symptoms such as frontal pain in the shin area. The pain can be constant and debilitating, especially when increasing pressure on the affected leg. Swelling in the area can make the leg feel tight as well as make puffiness visible around the muscles. No matter what type of activities, from running to football any athlete can be afflicted by these conditions. Treatment for shin splints should be started right away to begin the healing process immediately. Shin pain relief guidelines followed by sports therapists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the affected area for 1 to 2 days. Continuing physical therapy and preventative 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
Ankle and knee injuries are another kind of sports injury that many athletes suffer from. This is caused by either a blunt-force injury, which cannot be avoided, 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 lower leg. Damaged muscles lead to loosened joints in the ankles and knees so that simple movements or motions can cause twisting injuries. Another effective measure for preventing these types of injuries are to support the arch of the feet with firm foot arch support. This can be accomplished specially-designed orthotic insoles made for sports activities. The medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic also suggest taping the arch for added arch support during athletic activity.
Tearing Injuries: Why They Occur in the Lower Leg
Spraining of the connective tissues are also typical kinds of sports injuries. This is most commonly found in the connecting structures of the knees and back of the heels. An Achilles injury is usually due to poor flexibility in the heel tendon due to inadequate stretching form. This is a vital part in the warm-up routine that cannot be overlooked. Slow stretches without much force are suggested for athletes prior to activity. Experts in kinesiology advise a half-minute stretch followed by a short rest and then a repeat stretch. Anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) are surrounding the knee area and help keep the knee structure together. Injuries to this part of the body can be avoided by strength training the knee , calf and quadriceps through curls and extensions of the leg. Orthotics can help avoid both of these kinds of injuries by supplying proper arch support, ideal cushion, and proper foot form.