Bicycling and basketball are the most common recreational sports for injuries, with 1.5 million accidents each year. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, softball, baseball, and soccer each have almost half a million annual injuries.
It doesn’t matter if you’re setting up your own practice or if you’re the parent of student athletes returning to school. heeding a few precautionsIt goes a long ways.
Marcel Fraix, an osteopathic physician and fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation(FAAPMR), shares some helpful tips. Fraix also works as a staff physician at Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation, California. He specializes in sports-related disorders.
* Start with a check-up when possible. If you have a medical condition or heart issue, physical stress can cause damage to your body. Also, if you’re older and sedentary, have your heart checked before stressing the heart.
Specific sports require pre-conditioning. Injuries are more common in the early part of the season. This is when you’re most likely to get out of shape. It is important to strengthen the hamstrings as well as your inner quadriceps muscles in order to prevent injuries from happening.
* Diligently use the proper safety equipment, e.g., mouth guards, safety goggles, helmets and elbow and knee pads. Use sunscreen with a minimum of 15 minutes protection.
* Stay adequately hydrated with water or a water-electrolyte drink. To maximize athletic performance and prevent heat exhaustion in warm weather, it is crucial to replenish fluid lost during sweating.
* Treat injuries on the spot. For cuts and scrapes as well as allergic reactions, bites from insects, and irritations to the eyes, keep a first-aid kit on hand. Remember to get treatment for muscle pain immediately, before it becomes a problem. There are safe, non-scented, and effective pain relievers.
Arnicare Gel is a homeopathic remedy.www.Arnicare.comThis works with the body and not only to alleviate pain. It can be used on stiff legs from running or cycling or on sore shoulders from too many tennis racket swings. It can also be used to ease pain caused by strained ligaments, bumps, and bruises sustained in hard-fought basketball matches.
* Limit practice and playing time. Overdoing is the cause of nearly half of all injuries children sustain. You might consider allowing your child to take three months off each calendar year. Limit practice to twelve hours per week for one sport and twenty hours for multiple.
