Spring into Action: Preventing Injury in Warm-Weather Sports
As the weather warms up, athletes of all ages will hit the fields and courts to partake in their favorite spring sports. However, amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to recognize and understand the potential risks of injuries that accompany these activities. Whether you’re an experienced player or just getting started, being aware of the most common spring sports injuries can help you stay in the game all season long.
Safeguarding Your Spring Season: The Top 5 Injuries to Watch Out For
- Sprained Ankles: An all-too-common scenario in sports like soccer, basketball, and tennis, sprained ankles occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle joint are stretched too far or torn. The rapid directional changes and explosive movements inherent in these sports make ankles particularly vulnerable.
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: Baseball pitchers winding up for a throw, volleyball players spiking the ball, or even swimmers executing powerful strokes—all of these actions heavily involve the shoulder joint and its stabilizing muscles and tendons. Rotator cuff injuries, characterized by pain and weakness in the shoulder, are particularly common in sports requiring repetitive overhead movements.
- ACL Tears: Perhaps one of the most feared injuries for athletes, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear can mean months of rehabilitation and potential setbacks. Known for their quick pivots and sudden stops, soccer, baseball, and lacrosse players are especially susceptible to this knee injury. Recent research has also shown that adolescent female athletes are 1.5 times more likely to experience an ACL tear than their male counterparts (Orthopedic ONE). This is one of the many reasons why proper training and injury prevention strategies are so important.
- Tendinitis: Tendinitis manifests in various forms depending on the repetitive motions involved in specific sports. Baseball pitchers may grapple with “pitcher’s elbow,” while tennis players might battle with “tennis elbow.” Runners may contend with Achilles tendinitis, and basketball players may find themselves plagued by patellar tendinitis, commonly known as “jumper’s knee.”
- Concussions: Contact sports like football, soccer, and lacrosse come with an increased likelihood of sustaining a concussion. These brain injuries can result from direct blows to the head or violent collisions with other players, leading to symptoms ranging from dizziness and confusion to more severe cognitive impairments. Recognizing the signs of a concussion and prioritizing player safety is paramount in mitigating these risks.
Our Tips for Injury Prevention
No matter if you’re hitting the soccer field, running on the track, or enjoying a game of baseball, it’s essential to prioritize injury prevention to make the most of the season. Here are some key tips to keep you in the game and injury-free:
- Warm-Ups and Stretching: Dynamic stretches, light jogging, and mobility exercises help increase blood flow to your muscles, priming them for the demands of physical activity. Don’t forget to cool down afterward to aid in muscle recovery, and consider including foam rolling in your routine to release tension and increase flexibility.
- Conditioning and Strength Training: Building a strong foundation through conditioning and strength training is key to resilience on the field or court. Incorporate exercises such as weight training, core work, agility drills, and jump training into your regimen to improve overall athleticism, stability, and power.
- Listen to Your Body: Perhaps the most important tip of all is to listen to your body. Pay attention to signs of discomfort or fatigue, and don’t push through pain. Rest and recovery are crucial components of any training program, giving your body time to heal and rebuild stronger than before.
Athlete Journeys with Orthopedic ONE
In the realm of sports, setbacks are inevitable, but it’s how athletes respond to challenges that truly defines them. Here are two inspiring tales of resilience, guided by the expert care of Orthopedic ONE.
- Sterling’s Story: Sterling Manley, a basketball prodigy with dreams to play in the NBA, faced a double blow when he broke his leg—twice. Turning to Orthopedic ONE for top-tier care, Sterling and his family found reassurance in the expertise of our doctors. With resolve and support, Sterling underwent rigorous rehab, fueled by his passion for the game. He went on to fulfill his dream to play as a North Carolina Tar Heel and is now playing professionally overseas, a testament to his determination and the personalized care he received from Orthopedic ONE.
- Abby’s Story: Abby Steiner’s track and soccer aspirations were momentarily derailed when she suffered an ACL injury. Abby immediately sought help from Orthopedic ONE, a partner of her club soccer team, Ohio Premier, and found individualized treatment and a fun approach to recovery. In just five months, Abby returned to the track, where she set two new state records and cemented her title as the fastest girl in Ohio. Today, she is competing at the highest levels of the sport as a professional. With Orthopedic ONE, Abby defied the odds and triumphed over adversity.
Stay in the Game with Orthopedic ONE’s Sports Medicine Program
At Orthopedic ONE, we understand the passion and dedication that athletes pour into their sport. That’s why we’re proud to be the leading provider of sports medicine orthopedic care in Columbus. Our commitment extends beyond just treating injuries; we’re dedicated to keeping athletes of every age and skill level performing at their best.
Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention
Sports medicine focuses on injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Our team of certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, and fellowship-trained physicians and surgeons work tirelessly to ensure that athletes stay on the field and out of our offices. Through sport-specific training and conditioning, we tailor programs to each individual athlete to ensure a swift recovery and a confident return to pre-injury condition.
Supporting Local Athletes
We know that athletes don’t belong on the sidelines. That’s why Orthopedic ONE is proud to support athletes at all levels of play here in Columbus—and it’s why elite associations such as the Columbus Crew SC and the Columbus Blue Jackets trust our specialists to supply exceptional sports medicine care.
Our Affiliations
Our commitment to the local sports community reaches beyond our office walls. We partner with many major local clubs and organizations to provide orthopedic care, injury prevention, and rehabilitation services. Click here for a list of the organizations we proudly support!
These partnerships are a testament to the quality of care and expertise that Orthopedic ONE provides.
Sports Medicine Hotline
In addition to our comprehensive care services, we offer a Sports Medicine Hotline as a free resource to coaches, families, and athletes affiliated with our partner clubs and organizations. This hotline provides direct access to expert advice and guidance on sports-related injuries and concerns.
Orthopedic ONE is committed to keeping athletes in the game and off the bench. No matter your needs, you can trust our team to provide personalized care and support that will enable you to perform your best. So, play hard, play smart, and above all, stay safe!
