Participating in sports events fosters camaraderie & promotes physical fitness. You get to explore a world full of new opportunities and chase a bright athletic future. However, amidst the edge-of-the-seats matches and a rollercoaster of a ride, we forget a concerning aspect that athletes face: The risk of joint injuries. Joints are the most vulnerable areas of the body that are exposed and prone to damage whenever you engage in physical activity. The stronger your bones are, the better will be your knee movement and flexibility.
With this article, we wish to take a deep dive into the dynamics of sports-related joint injuries, understanding the common reasons, promoting preventive measures, and exploring recovery strategies that can keep athletes, such as yourself, in the game for the long haul.
Stay ahead of the curve, know the common sports injuries in joints
Acromioclavicular joint injury (AC Joint Injury): The acromioclavicular joint is located at the top of the shoulder. You’re prone to injuries if you actively indulge in activities like basketball, football, and cricket. The chances of strained joints or instant dislocation because of the excessive force is quite high. Thus, you will find most of the athletes always focusing on staying fit, healthy, and agile.
Knee joint injury: Knees are considered to be the most complex joint in the body. Since it is so intricately built in our body, the chances of injuries are high. But, how do you suffer from knee joint injury? Whenever you play sports that require you to make sudden stops, twists, or change your direction, such as football and basketball, the chances are higher of leading to ligament tears (such as ACL tears), patellar dislocations, or cartilage damage.
Ankle Sprains: We all have experienced the nastiest ankle sprains at some point or the other in our lives. But, the degree of injury is very mild compared to those injuries that occur while playing sports. Ankle sprains are commonly caused when the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint are stretched or torn. This happens whenever you take a sudden twice or foot roll. These types of sprains are prevalent in sports that involve pivoting, cutting, and jumping, for eg., soccer, basketball, and volleyball.
Tips for protecting your joints during sports activities
Love playing sports and the adrenaline rush your body experiences? Then, there are some helpful tips that will save you from unwanted and untimely joint injury injuries. These suggestions will come in handy especially when you’re ageing.
Warm-up and stretching: Warm-ups and stretching are the most basic principles of sports. Normally, our muscles are relaxed and they are inflexible in nature. But, as soon as we warm up, the blood flow to these muscles increases and we are able to achieve better flexibility and output. Exercising or playing sports without warm-up increases the chances of your body going through instant injuries.
Hone your technique: The majority of individuals who undergo sports injuries are those who follow incorrect form and technique. Practising the correct techniques for your sport significantly reduces the strain on your joints. However, these exercises or stretching must come from a certified professional/ coach/ trainer. If you follow self-taught techniques, then you may cause more harm than good to your joints.
Wear appropriate protective gear: Investing in high-quality protective gear, such as knee pads, ankle braces, or shoulder supports, can provide an extra layer of protection to your joints. It allows you to indulge in sports activities without worrying about your joints. You can be carefree and divert your attention towards something more productive and concrete. So, make sure the gear fits properly and is suitable for the specific demands of your sport - ensuring the least injuries and preparing you for the future.
Taking effective supplements: ‘Prevention is better than cure’ A quote that we are all familiar with. This logic applies in the case of your joints as well. Instead of waiting for injuries to wreak havoc on your joints and put a pause on your athletic career, it’s better to take relevant precautions. Taking supplements is one of the most effective ways to keep your joints and bones in good condition. Try three60+ Daily Joint Care & Protect tablets to ensure your joint health is in top-notch condition.
Sports injury centres and their role in joint injury prevention
On the off chance that you still end up with a sports injury, heading towards sports injury centres is the right way forward. Sports injury centres are a safe sanctuary for athletes where trained physiotherapists help you recover from your joint injury. These specialised facilities are equipped with the latest technologies and practices to offer comprehensive care for you and your joints. Some general practices to note are injury prevention programs, diagnostic imaging, and treatment options. By seeking guidance from sports injury centres, athletes can get personalised advice on injury prevention strategies and recovery plans tailored to their specific needs.
Recovery tips for joint injuries
In case you suffer from joint injuries, then you need to instantly get back on track. Joint & bone injuries are serious and take a long time to recover. To help you get back on your feet again, here are some effective tips to tackle joint injuries.
Follow a structured rehabilitation program: A rehabilitation program is curated by trained healthcare professionals who know the ins and outs of joint injuries. This program often comprises exercises to improve joint flexibility, stability, and strength.
Rest and recovery: It might sound very basic, but we cannot stress enough on the power of resting. Adequate rest is essential for the healing process. Listen to your body and learn to rest & recover. Give yourself enough time to recover fully before gradually reintroducing physical activity.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: What you eat & how you live will play a major role in how fast you recover. Following a healthy lifestyle is crucial for joint health and injury prevention. You must maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. Additionally, start adding low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling into your routine that can help strengthen your joints without placing excessive stress on them.
Protecting your joints is paramount to maintaining a long and successful athletic career. Remember, your joints are the foundation of your athletic abilities. Take care of them, and they will take care of you and your dreams. Stay in the game, protect your joints, and enjoy a successful and long athletic career!
