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Sports injuries, these days are not just limited to professional athletes or young people who participate in school sports programs. Today, men and women of all ages are committed to regular sports and fitness activities. Many people of both sexes play golf, tennis, basketball, and/or participate in aerobic activities like running. No matter what the activity,though, there is always the risk of injury.
The majority of injuries can be broken down into two fundamental types: injury from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision, and injury as the effect of overuse or repetitive stress.
Traumatic Injuries
As the name implies, this sort of injury causes the type of incapacitation and debilitation most often associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bone to bone) and to muscles are the most common, although the trauma of fractures and dislocations regularly occurs in contact sports. Damage to a ligament is called a sprain, while trauma to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. The most characteristic areas for these sorts of injuries are the ankles, knees, and shoulders, nevertheless other areas can be affected including the low back and neck. Injuries to the neck and low back can be quite serious as the spinal cord or spinal nerves can also be involved.
A traumatic injury may be relatively benign, such as a “muscle pull” or ankle twist. But, some can be very serious and require surgery. It is contingent upon the amount of tearing of the tissues, the area of the body, and the age of the person. Some amount of swelling occurs with almost all sprains and strains. In addition, with certain injuries, particularly those of the ankle and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. Strains and sprains demand appropriate attention, particularly during the initial stages of an injury, to insure complete healing and protect against future disability. Treatment from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly recommended.
If you’ve sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional. Until assistance is available, remember the acronym, PRICE:
P Protect injury from further damage
R Rest the injured area
I Ice injury to lessen swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E Elevate the injury, expressly when dealing with ankles and knees
As already mentioned, proper assessment and care are essential to a thorough recovery. A chiropractor can find out the extent of your injury and start needed recovery treatment. When proper management is provided during the various stages of healing, most individuals who have experienced sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not managed correctly, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A chiropractor that is experienced in the treatment of sports injuries can give expert advice and treatment you’ll need to insure that your injury will mend in the best possible way. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your San Jose chiropractor.
Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries
Sports such as golf, tennis, and bowling, as well as any other activity that necessitates the same actions over and over are common reasons for repetitive stress injuries. An action as uncomplex and healthy as running, especially on a treadmill, can also be a factor.
Repetitious activity can frequently create a minuscule strain to tissues, expressly tendons and muscles. But, it is the accumulative effects of the repetition that causes the more serious problem. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most widespread kinds of overuse injuries. Over time the muscle or other affected tissue undergoes changes that no longer allow it to function properly, resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. Definite factors predispose a person to these kinds of injury. A few are “intrinsic,” i.e., the factor is found within a person’s own body. Other factors are “extrinsic,” which is to say that the factors are external and can frequently be changed or controlled by the person.
Some of the most widespread intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostgeneral intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that individual to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. There are those who are born with joint or muscle problems. And, finally, previous injuries are a factor as they generally prohibit the joints or muscles from functioning correctly.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are numerous. For instance, sports equipment can faulty–an improper grip size of tennis racket or worn-out running shoes are good examples, even a playing surface can be a factor, such as a too-hard surface for soccer or an uneven treadmill. Inept technique, like an incorrect golf grip or swing, can produce stress and strain injuries. All sports activities require some pre-conditioning, which is why people who aren’t in shape who continue to prolong the duration of an activity without developing slowly, as well as those who lack flexibility, are injured more frequently. Warming up is very important before sports activities and lack of warm-up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a common cause of injury. And, lastly, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Being tired or stressed can cause tense, inflexible muscles that are too tight for most activities.
There are quite a few factors that are extrinsic and, therefore, within a person’s control. Before beginning a new sport, or as a way to ward off injury in a current sport, it’s smart to get an evaluation of your overall body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is vital to seek out a competent professional, like a chiropractor, to assess the nature of the injury and design a plan of therapy. If left untreated, sports injuries can considerably affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is generally necessary to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is a good source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your San Jose Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.
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