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Common Injuries and How to Prevent Them
- Ankle
Sprains and Strains
A number of factors can lead to ankle sprains, including poor technique
and uneven terrain. The right footwear is essential to preventing
a sprain, but it isn’t the only thing you can do. If you
have a history of ankle injuries a brace can provide extra stability
to prevent re-injury. Physical therapy after an injury can increase
strength and range of motion.
- Knee Pain
Knee injuries are often caused by improper technique, lack of conditioning
and poor flexibility. While it’s important to build up training
gradually to avoid overuse, biomechanics can also come into play,
If you have flat feet or high arches, pronate or supinate, you
may have more knee pain. Appropriate footwear or orthotics can
improve alignment and help reduce injury risk. If you are a cyclist,
proper bike fit can also make a huge difference.
- Lower Back Pain
Low back pain is a common problem and one of the main reasons is
inactivity. As we get older and less active, we lose the strength
and balance in the core muscles (abs and low back) can lead to
poor posture, improper alignment, fatigue and pain. Regular exercise
is the best way to protect your lower back.
- Elbow Pain
Tennis players and golfers have more elbow injuries than most,
but anyone can develop elbow pain. Although conditioning is a
major cause, proper technique is essential to preventing problems.
Take a class or get professional instruction. Also, make sure
your equipment fits well.
- Shoulder Injuries
Frequently seen in throwing sports, rotator cuff tendonitis is
a common cause of shoulder pain. Staying in shape and easing
into an activity are the best ways to prevent problems.
Even with proper
conditioning, equipment and other precautions you may still develop
pain from exercise. If so, what you do immediately can prevent
the pain from becoming a chronic problem. At the first sign of
pain stop or ease back on your sport immediately. Apply ice for
15 to 20 minutes several times a day and elevate the injured
area. If you still have pain after two or three days, you should
see your physician.
Back to Sports Training
Tips > >
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Rocky Mountain Orthopaedic Associates Physicians:
Kirk D. Clifford, MD
Mary Beth Deering, MD
Michael P. Dohm, MD
Michael Dolecki, MD
David P. Fisher, MD
Robert L. Frazho, MD
James S. Gebhard, MD
Steven J. Heil, MD
Sandra A. Horvath-Dori, MD
Michael J. Huang, MD
Mark G. Luker, MD
David M. Mayer, MD
Jeffrey M. Nakano, MD
Michael T. Reeder, DO
Michael D. Rooks, MD
James K. Weaver, MD
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