With her arrival spring And the rise in temperature, outdoor sports become more enticing. The season is offered for activation and activity, especially on the days of Easter – Young and old want to enjoy their favorite sports whether they are mountain cycling, beach rackets, mountaineering, football, basketball or beach volley.
However, this transition from sedentary life to physical activity, even when it comes to mild sports such as hiking, running and swimming, increases the risk of sports injuries. Their prevention is the question, as it contributes to a more enjoyable and rewarding season for all those who occasionally or systematically sport.
“The excitement and longing of people to exercise in nature as well as the exaggerated zeal to perform well, without being properly prepared, are the reasons that often arise musculoskeletal injuries at this time. We see repeatedly the same injuries to the lower and upper extremities – with the knees, hips, ankles, shoulders and elbows being the most vulnerable joints since they are more strained than the effort.
Muscles, tendons and links They reach their limits when they are not sufficiently fit or incompletely preheated, when recovery and stretching are omitted, when the equipment required is not appropriate or the technique followed is incorrect. Under these circumstances, the appearance inflammation and rupture, stroke and abelting is very likely. Unforeseen conflicts and falls can lead to bone fractures, “said Dr. Panagiotis Pandos, Orthopedic Surgeon, Director of the Orthopedic Clinic of the Upper Limb at the Athens Medical Center and the Head of the Upper Extreme Departments and Sports Injuries of Ostthopedic & Spine Clinic and Dr. Vassilios Sakellariou, Orthopedic Circuit, Director of Orthopedic Clinic at the Athens Medical Center and Head of the Department of Reconstructive & Minimally Invasive Hip – Knee Surgery and Sports Injuries of Ostthopedic & Spine Clinic.
The two most frequent sports injuries in the spring
Stretches and ruptures of joints, tendons and muscles
These injuries often occur in people who are not in good physical condition, due to the inability of the muscles and joints to fully support the movements. The abrupt turn of the joints stretches the joints a lot, significantly increasing their risk of rupture, while the omission of warm -up and relaxation after exercise particularly affects tendons and muscles. Dear or inappropriate equipment (eg shoes), slippery surfaces (eg wet road) and fatigue are also risk factors.
Their treatment initially requires rest, ice placement, application of pressure through a bandage, placement of the affected area higher than the level of the heart, as well as taking analgesic and anti -inflammatory drugs to treat pain and edema. Surgery may be needed in more serious cases.
“The rupture of a cruciate ligament is one of the most common diseases, which are the result of some abrupt change of course or direction. Players and basketball players often exist. Pain, edema, stiffness and instability are symptoms, the intensity of which varies depending on the size of the rupture. It also depends on the method of treatment, which includes immobilization and physiotherapy to liaison, that is, surgical replacement of the cut extremities, an arthroscopic surgery, ”explains Dr. Sakellariou.
Tendonitis
Poor physical condition and repetitive movements, such as those performed by tennis players and playing basketball or volleyball, often cause tendonitis. The tendon is inflamed and the symptoms it causes are pain, edema and inability to complete some movements.
The most commonly affected areas are shoulder (spinning tendon), elbow (elbow) and knee (tendon tendon tendon).
The initial treatment for the treatment of this injury is rest, ice and anti -inflammatory drugs. Physiotherapy may later be required to strengthen the injured area.
“Athletes who perform repetitive upper extremity movements above the level of the head, such as swimmers and volleyball players, are quite likely to injure the shoulder tendons. The tendon of the rotational petal or one of its tendons, usually the supercar can also occur from an individual acute injury, from incorrect technical or excessive stress. It causes pain in rest and in movement, stiffness or inability to lift the hand above some level, ”notes Dr. Pantos.
“And this condition for the retreat of symptoms requires rest and ice placement. Physiotherapy and muscle strengthening help significantly. Corticosteroid injections and platelet -rich blood -rich injections are recommended in insistent situations or athletes who wish to return to their activities. If a tendon is ruptured, e.g. From a fall during training or a race, then it is required to surgical, “he adds.
“Prevention of these frequent sports injuries should be the primary goal and it is achieved by training the body all year long, depending on the age, maintaining fitness and proper preparation. Increasing the intensity of training should be gradually done so that the body can adapt to avoid muscle stress and injuries. Cross-Training, the alternation of sports activities, also prevents excessive use injuries and enhances sub-use muscles.
One of the most effective ways to prevent injuries are adequate warm -up and relaxation after exercise. Muscle warming increases blood flow, enhances flexibility and prepares the body for more intense activity. Muscle rehabilitation after training all parts of the body involved in sports activity is important to avoid injuries, as it helps to gradually reduce muscle tension.
Finally, hydration should never be omitted before and during exercise and replenishment of electrolytes after it.
Adopting these tips, the risk of injury is minimized, enabling both physical health safely and safely the mental well -being offered by nature, ”they conclude.