Treating Common Sports Injuries

If you are an active person, chances are you have experienced or will experience some type of injury from your activities. Prompt care is important to recovery. Know how to handle the most common sports injuries.

Leg Cramps – Stretch the tight muscle by walking or gently massaging the area. To avoid leg cramps, drink plenty of water and replenish your body’s salt and potassium levels after excessive sweating.

Shin Splints – Take a break and rest your legs. Use an ice pack to relieve pain and swelling. Ice will also promote healing. Elevate your leg to the level of your heart to reduce swelling. To avoid shin splints, avoid running on hard surfaces and wear supportive athletic shoes.

Sore Muscles – Stretch before you exercise. Develop a moderate exercise routine to strengthen muscles.

Sprains – Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling. Elevate the injury to reduce swelling. Wrap the area with a bandage to provide support. Rest for a day or two. Try resistance exercises to strengthen the joints and bandage the sprain before resuming your workout.

Strains – Rest the injury. Apply ice to the area and wrap with a bandage. Stretch before you begin to exercise again to prevent reinjury.

Tennis elbow –This is associated with many sports and is caused by excessive strain. Apply ice, wrap the area and elevate. To prevent re-injury, you will probably need to alter your technique.

If you experience any of these injuries, contact Dunn Wellness Center at (904) 249-1551 for an evaluation.