Whether you’re playing organized sports this fall or simply out there trying to boost or maintain your fitness, autumn can bring an increased risk of sports injuries.
Understanding the more common types of injuries and how they occur can help you make good choices and avoid negative outcomes this fall.
Through his practice in the Westwood area of Los Angeles, California, and also serving downtown, Kristofer J. Jones, MD, is a trusted resource for residents who encounter orthopedic and sports medicine challenges.
As fall gets into full swing, let’s take a closer look at five of the more common types of sports injuries that occur this time of year, and how you can avoid them.
Human beings are innately mobile, and it’s impossible to fully eliminate the risk of becoming injured. But learning more about the more common types of sports injuries that arise this time of year empowers you to take steps to prevent harm.
Your knees play a critical role in all forms of exercise and athletic training. They keep you moving and absorb some of the shock of walking and running. Inflammation within the small knee space can be excruciating, and damaged knee components can sideline you easily.
While your shoulders are incredibly resilient and strong, impact to this area of your body can cause a fracture.
Contact sports are a common cause of shoulder fractures, but even something as simple as tumbling around with your kids or bumping into furniture or walls can lead to a break.
Placing too much force on a muscle or the area where a muscle meets a tendon can damage your muscle fibers and cause significant swelling and pain.
Strains can result from contact sports as well as repetitive actions like swinging a golf club or baseball bat. You can also develop muscle strains while working out at home or in a gym.
Repetitive motion can also damage your elbow joints. Swelling, tenderness, and an inability to bend or move your arm normally are all signs of an elbow injury. You can also damage your elbow by landing on it during a fall or making abrupt contact with others.
Fall can bring cooler temperatures and even chilly nights, but there are still plenty of hot days as we move closer to winter.
Many people underplay the risks of heat-related issues during the fall months, which can lead to taking less precautions than you might embrace during the summer. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps are real risks, even in autumn.
While you may not be able to fully mitigate the risks of an injury, taking certain steps can dramatically lower your risk. Wearing the right protective gear is a great place to start.
Know the recommended gear for your sport or activity, and be sure your gear fits properly and is worn at all times when engaged in practice or play. Padding is the right option for many sports, and helmets and UV-protective clothing are the best options for other pursuits.
Another way to reduce your risk of injury is by gradually increasing your intensity level when training or engaging in any form of athletic pursuits. Lots of injuries come from pushing too hard too soon before your body is ready to take it to the next level.
Finally, consider the environment in which you’re exercising or participating in sports. Staying hydrated is important regardless of the season, as is protecting yourself from the sun.
Listen to the messages your body sends, and if the temperature is high, take frequent breaks and drink more water.
If you do experience a sports injury this fall, Kristopher J. Jones, MD, and our team are here to help. Whether you choose to reach out to the office online or by phone, booking an appointment is fast and easy.
