Summer is the perfect time for getting outdoors and enjoying different sports that are more difficult or generally unavailable in winter. It’s also a time when we see a huge increase in sports-related injuries.
What Are the Most Common Sports Injuries?
As we get into the full swing of summer, we see a lot more people on the golf course and the tennis court. Then, we see a lot of those people in our office.
For golfers and tennis players, one of the most common summer sports injuries is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This inflammation, most often referred to as sciatica, usually begins because the patient twisted or turned in a way that the nerve, which runs from your lower back down your leg, didn’t like.
The irritated nerve can cause lower back pain, stiffness, or leg and buttocks pain. The pain can be sharp and burning or dull and throbbing.
Golfers and tennis players are also most likely to develop tennis elbow, an inflammation of the tendons in the elbow that can lead to muscle stiffness and pain.
Other summer athletes may suffer from runner’s knee, shoulder, or ankle injuries or a variety of muscle strains usually caused by failure to stretch properly before exercise. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, often called runner’s knee, happens when the muscles surrounding the knee are not as strong as they should be and put a strain on the joint, tendons, and ligaments.
How Can Common Sports Injuries Be Prevented?
Though it seems obvious, the first key to avoiding summer sports injuries is to stretch and warm up before jumping into your activity or exercise. If you’re new to the sport or haven’t played in a while, don’t push yourself too hard or overdo it. Experts also suggest staying well hydrated and wearing protective equipment, including helmets, knee pads, or joint supports, where appropriate.
What Is the Treatment for Common Summer Sports Injuries?
For years, the advice for sprains and strains has been RICE: Rest, ice, elevate, and compress. And while this is still good advice, any injury that causes severe pain or lasts more than 48 hours should be reviewed by a medical professional.
Sciatica, for instance, often responds best to gentle stretching, massage therapy, or specific exercises supervised by physical therapists and chiropractors. Runner’s knee is best assisted by strengthening the muscles that support the knee.
Tennis elbow can become a serious problem if the pain and restricted mobility are not addressed. Seek medical attention for persistent elbow pain.
When you suffer a summer sports injury, it may be best to consult a chiropractor who can help you determine if the injury was due to the way you moved or a structural issue. For instance, tightness in the spine can contribute to or be caused by sciatica. The only way to tell for certain is to get a professional opinion.
A chiropractor can help athletes maintain proper form to prevent future injuries or provide a variety of treatments to relieve pain caused by a current injury. For assistance in recovering from a summer sports injury, learn how we can help.
East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Specializes in Sports Injuries
For more than 35 years, East Bay Chiropractic Wellness has been providing a wide range of chiropractic services to best fit your needs. Among other services, we have been offering treatments such as the Graston Technique® for over a decade. By utilizing a combination of chiropractic care and recommended lifestyle changes, pain can be reduced, and quality of life can be improved. Schedule your appointment online or give us a call today at (516) 679-2225 and take the first step toward a more comfortable life.