{"id":1184,"date":"2022-05-08T02:25:20","date_gmt":"2022-05-08T08:25:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/?p=1184"},"modified":"2022-05-13T02:51:59","modified_gmt":"2022-05-13T08:51:59","slug":"sports-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can Sports Injuries Be Prevented?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of us play sports at some point during our life, and it is beneficial for our mental, physical and emotional health. Playing sports comes with some level of risk and knowing how to prevent injuries and minimize risk is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The more often you play sports, the greater the chance of you having <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/what-are-the-most-common-sports-injuries\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">injury<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as meniscus tears, ACL, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/things-to-know-about-mcl-injury\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MCL<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/what-are-the-most-common-knee-injuries\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">knee injury<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, elbow or shoulder injury. Whatever sports you are playing, there are a few simple prevention tips that can help athletes on the field instead of on the sidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6631ceffe508d\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6631ceffe508d\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/#10_Tips_For_Sports_Injury_Prevention\" title=\"10 Tips For Sports Injury Prevention\">10 Tips For Sports Injury Prevention<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/#Tip_1_Get_A_Physical\" title=\"Tip #1. Get A Physical\">Tip #1. Get A Physical<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/#Tip_2_Ensure_You_Have_The_Proper_Protective_Equipment\" title=\"Tip #2. Ensure You Have The Proper Protective Equipment\">Tip #2. Ensure You Have The Proper Protective Equipment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/#Tip_3_Proper_Rest\" title=\"Tip #3. Proper Rest\">Tip #3. Proper Rest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/#Tip_4_Drink_Plenty_Of_Water\" title=\"Tip #4. Drink Plenty Of Water\">Tip #4. Drink Plenty Of Water<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/#Tip_5_Stretch_And_Maintain_Flexibility\" title=\"Tip #5. Stretch And Maintain Flexibility\">Tip #5. Stretch And Maintain Flexibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/#Tip_6_Eat_Healthy_And_Balanced_Meals\" title=\"Tip #6. Eat Healthy And Balanced Meals\">Tip #6. Eat Healthy And Balanced Meals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/#Tip_7_Emphasizing_The_Importance_Of_Proper_Technique_And_Guidelines\" title=\"Tip #7. Emphasizing The Importance Of Proper Technique And Guidelines\">Tip #7. Emphasizing The Importance Of Proper Technique And Guidelines<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/#Tip_8_Get_Help_For_Injuries_Right_Away\" title=\"Tip #8. Get Help For Injuries Right Away\">Tip #8. Get Help For Injuries Right Away<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/#Tip_9_Avoid_Overuse\" title=\"Tip #9. Avoid Overuse\">Tip #9. Avoid Overuse<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/#Tip_10_Cross-Train_In_A_Variety_Of_Sports\" title=\"Tip #10. Cross-Train In A Variety Of Sports\">Tip #10. Cross-Train In A Variety Of Sports<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/#At_Thunder_Basin_Orthopaedics_We_Specialize_In_Orthopaedic_Injuries\" title=\"At Thunder Basin Orthopaedics, We Specialize In Orthopaedic Injuries\">At Thunder Basin Orthopaedics, We Specialize In Orthopaedic Injuries<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Tips_For_Sports_Injury_Prevention\"><\/span><b>10 Tips For Sports Injury Prevention<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These tips are easy to implement and can make a significant impact when it comes to reducing the possibility of injury from physical activity and playing sports.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_1_Get_A_Physical\"><\/span><b>Tip #1. Get A Physical<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A preseason physical can help uncover issues ahead of time and determine if you are fit to play. A sports physical helps to assess athletes and can often detect vulnerabilities that we may miss before heading out to the court or the field.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_2_Ensure_You_Have_The_Proper_Protective_Equipment\"><\/span><b>Tip #2. Ensure You Have The Proper Protective Equipment<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While this one should be obvious, sometimes it is neglected. It is critical to have the correct protective equipment that fits properly and is designed specifically for the sport you are playing. Talking to your coach will ensure that you choose equipment that meets the necessary requirements and that it fits you the way it should.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_3_Proper_Rest\"><\/span><b>Tip #3. Proper Rest<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure you get enough rest for your mind and body. Insufficient sleep can impact your mental abilities and lead to making a mistake causing you to get injured due to slow reflexes, unclear thinking, inability to focus, or poor choices. Proper rest is essential for athletes of all ages.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_4_Drink_Plenty_Of_Water\"><\/span><b>Tip #4. Drink Plenty Of Water<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hydration is critical and this includes before game day. Drinking enough water will help you avoid muscle cramps and dehydration. It will also reduce the possibility of feeling lightheaded, fatigued, nauseous, confusion, or fainting and vomiting due to exertion.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_5_Stretch_And_Maintain_Flexibility\"><\/span><b>Tip #5. Stretch And Maintain Flexibility<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is crucial to keep your body, muscles, and joints properly stretched and flexible. Regardless of the sport, stretching increases your flexibility, loosens your muscles and helps prepare your body for playing. Static stretches like toe touching and dynamic stretches like jumping jacks will help to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/the-importance-of-warming-up-to-prevent-sports-injuries\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">warm up <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">your muscles. Cool down and stretch afterward to help your body\u2019s recovery process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_6_Eat_Healthy_And_Balanced_Meals\"><\/span><b>Tip #6. Eat Healthy And Balanced Meals<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating well-balanced meals regularly full of vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins is essential in maintaining a healthy body. Also make sure younger athletes are following safe eating habits in sports like wrestling where an athlete&#8217;s weight is often focused on due to the emphasized importance of weight requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_7_Emphasizing_The_Importance_Of_Proper_Technique_And_Guidelines\"><\/span><b>Tip #7. Emphasizing The Importance Of Proper Technique And Guidelines<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Following your coach&#8217;s guidance will help reduce injuries. There is a wrong way and a correct way to play every sport. For football, learn the proper way to tackle to avoid concussions. Baseball, learning the appropriate way to throw and how many throws to make in a day to prevent shoulder injuries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_8_Get_Help_For_Injuries_Right_Away\"><\/span><b>Tip #8. Get Help For Injuries Right Away<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often when someone gets hurt, they may just want to blow it foo. If you notice a change in technique due to an injury, a consistent limp, or need to the injured area often, seek the help of an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/when-should-i-see-an-orthopedic-doctor\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">orthopedic doctor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help prevent further damage. Getting help early on can prevent severe injuries from becoming worse. \u201cWalking it off\u201d is not always the best choice. If you have injured yourself, take a moment to assess it properly before going back out to play.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_9_Avoid_Overuse\"><\/span><b>Tip #9. Avoid Overuse<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure you give the muscles a chance to rest and recover. An <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/fitness\/in-depth\/overuse-injury\/art-20045875\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">overuse injury<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> occurs from repetitive trauma and typically comes from training or technique errors. Common injuries seen from overuse are tendonitis or stress fractures, and you can reduce your risk by pacing yourself, using proper gear, and cross-training.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_10_Cross-Train_In_A_Variety_Of_Sports\"><\/span><b>Tip #10. Cross-Train In A Variety Of Sports<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change up your routine regularly to ensure that you are using different muscles. This ensures that athletes do not overuse the same muscles and joints by continuously playing the same sport. If you find yourself with a sports-related injury, work with a specialized orthopedic doctor to help you recover to your best capability and prevent further damage. Cross-training will also help to benefit your body&#8217;s overall strength, flexibility, and resiliency.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"At_Thunder_Basin_Orthopaedics_We_Specialize_In_Orthopaedic_Injuries\"><\/span><b>At Thunder Basin Orthopaedics, We Specialize In Orthopaedic Injuries<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our trained experts at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thunder Basin Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are well-experienced and offer the best possible treatment. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back in the game as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our two locations in Gillette or Douglas, Wyoming.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many of us play sports at some point during our life, and it is beneficial for our mental, physical and emotional health. Playing sports comes with some level of risk and knowing how to prevent injuries and minimize risk is essential. The more often you play sports, the greater the chance of you having injury &#8230; <a title=\"How Can Sports Injuries Be Prevented?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/sports-injuries\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How Can Sports Injuries Be Prevented?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1187,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1184"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1184"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1184\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1186,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1184\/revisions\/1186"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1184"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1184"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderbasinortho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1184"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}