As a leading orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Kulkarni treats many sports enthusiasts on a regular basis for knees, elbow, shoulder and ankle sprains every day. Strains are another common type of injury which surfaces every now and then. Serious ailments include knee injuries, splints and tennis elbow which can all become very painful, very quickly. These require the person to be away from the very sport that caused it. Dr. Kulkarni has outlined some ways in which you can in fact avoid these injuries without much effort and as a part of your daily activities.
Warm up is important –
The most neglected part of exercising and furthermore when playing a sport is the warm up. Some stretches and light exercises prepares your body for the upcoming event. You tend to help your joints loosen up before that big match by warming up for perhaps even just 15 minutes. The light exercises ensures that the muscles get more blood flow which helps in avoiding injuries while you play. In the flow of getting to the game, people tend to ignore warming up but observe any good athlete before a game and you will see them doing this, warming up!
Cooling down is just as important –
If there is something that is more neglected than warming up, it is cooling down. It gets swept under the rug after a massive game or a heavy exercise session. But unfortunately, the adrenaline you gained out of the event is not enough! Your heart rate is high when your activity level is higher. It is important to end with light exercises so the intensity of the pressure on your heart does not drop all of a sudden. Cooling down is what helps you avoid cramping your muscles the day after the match. This is especially important for people who are not into exercising regularly.
The right equipment –
Human tendency is that even though the right gear is available, is not always appreciated or used. Helmets, pads and even the correct shoes required for a sport are important because they protect your body from getting injured. Good gear can help you tremendously in saving costs and pain from injuries. Investing in brands may not be the right answer here but looking for good quality equipment most certainly is. Compromise in quality would invite injuries and it is not where you should cut corners.
Eat and sleep –
Such simple things make a massive difference in how your body would react in situations. A person with a nutrient rich diet who gets adequate sleep is far less prone to sports related injuries. No, it does not have to do with how alert such people can be! Protein, calcium and vitamin D intake in your body builds resistance which helps in sustenance of injuries and helps recoup sooner too. If you are regular at working out then sleep is just as important. It helps your body rejuvenate and repair. It heals your body faster and helps with regeneration of the lost tissues during sports related injuries.