For any athlete, the way you prepare can make a huge difference when it comes to maximizing your performance while minimizing risk of injury. To stay healthy, you have got to prepare for everything you do. Not just the body, but also the mental side of things. Here are some tips to prevent common sports injuries:
Spend Time Warming Up
It is essential that you warm up sufficiently before a game because it is really important that the muscles are warm when you are jumping, running, or skiing. Just 5-10 minutes of jogging or range of motion exercises is all that you need to do. It is very important to incorporate warmups into daily training for athletes to prevent risk of injury.
Choose the Right Equipment
The most common sports injuries can be caused by something as simple as the wrong shoes. Whether it's helmets, gloves, or padding, always make sure you have the right equipment that fits snugly for your sport.
Stay Well Hydrated
Staying hydrated is key to being able to compete at your top level. It is crucial to replace lost fluids and minerals. If you don’t replenish the fluids lost through perspiration during vigorous sporting activities, you can’t perform at your top level. Being properly hydrated can also help prevent cramps and damage to ligaments, muscles, and bones.
Avoid Overtraining
You can lose a whole season by training too much. Signs of overtraining include headaches, constant fatigue, and just not feeling mentally confident about your ability. It is very important to know how much you can do. Not paying attention to signs of overtraining could result in torn tendons, stress fractures, or other serious injuries.
Allow Time for Recovery
In sports, your body is your tool and getting enough rest is as important as training hard. The best defense against sporting injuries is good preparation. Listen to your body and reach your excellence.
Dr. Jacob brings cutting edge techniques and technology to the Oklahoma City area. He has extensive training in minimally invasive, rapid recovery joint replacement as well as robotically assisted hip and knee replacement. Dr. Jacob is a pioneer in outpatient joint replacement allowing some patient to go home the same day as their procedure and recover in the comfort of their own home. The cornerstone of Dr. Jacob’s practice is to have the recovery process be easier, faster and less painful allowing his patients to get back into the game of life. Dr. Jacob is committed to bringing the highest level of orthopedic care while treating each and every patient like a family member. Providing you with patient centered care you can trust.
