HOW TO PREVENT COMMON FALL SPORTS INJURIES

Even though August is typically considered a summer month, fall sports are already in full swing. No matter your choice of a fall sport, the risk of injury exists. This fall, avoid the most reoccurring injuries by following these easy recommendations.

• ACL injury occurs when a tear or sprain happens to the ligament (band of tissue) that connects your thigh bone to your shinbone. This usually is not caused by contact sports but by an athlete’s sudden stop or change in direction. To avoid, try the following when playing fall sports:
  • Identify and strengthen weak muscle areas, including core, hip, and lower extremity muscle groups.
  • Review how to pivot properly at a young age and train on proper techniques for jumping and cutting movements.
• Knee injuries are a result of either overuse or an acute injury. To prevent a knee injury:
  • Similar to avoiding ACL tears, learn how to pivot and run properly.
  • Wear the correct shoes.
  • Inspect the playing field or track prior to use to clear it of all objects, debris, and/or water.
• Knee injuries are a result of either overuse or an acute injury. To prevent a knee injury:
  • Similar to avoiding ACL tears, learn how to pivot and run properly.
  • Wear the correct shoes.
  • Inspect the playing field or track prior to use to clear it of all objects, debris, and/or water.
• Shoulder injuries often occur in sports that require overhand throwing. To keep shoulder injuries at bay:
  • Learn to properly condition and the techniques that are required of the sport.
  • Allow for an ample amount of recovery time after continuous overhand throws.
  • Stretch the shoulder before and after the activity.
• Overuse is commonly to blame for various sports injuries. Some ways to avoid overuse injuries include:
  • Cutting back on frequency, duration, and intensity if you experience pain or discomfort.
  • Stretch thoroughly before and after the activity.
  • Use ice after exercise for minor aches and pains.

Whether training for a sports season or getting in shape for your overall health, if you sustain an injury or have pain keeping you from reaching your goals, contact our office to make an appointment at (816) 561-3003.

For an Orthopedic surgeon, fellowship training is completed after four years of medical school and five years as a resident in orthopedic surgery. Following residency, all of the OHKC physicians completed an additional year of specialized training in a specific type of orthopedic surgery under an expert in the field, called a fellowship.

Each one of the physicians at OHKC is fellowship-trained. When making an appointment with one of our physicians, feel confident knowing that the doctor whom you see has undergone years of training specific to the field.