Some sports-related injuries are unavoidable. You might just be unlucky and accidentally fall, slip or trip resulting in an injury. However, across all sports most injuries are strains and sprains, usually of ankles and knees. They occur because athletes stretch their ligaments suddenly beyond their range which leads to them tearing. Many of these injuries are preventable.
How to Avoid Sports Injuries
You should start any exercise with a gentle warm-up. This increases blood flow to your muscles, ensures greater flexibility and reduces your chances of being hurt.
Another mistake that athletes make is trying to go straight back into their regular exercise routine after a break. If you’ve been unable to do a sport for some time, then you shouldn’t go straight into your normal routine. Instead, you should build up to it gradually.
Finally, you should always listen to your body. They say that there’s no gain without pain, but you should recognise the warning signs that you’re getting overtired and stop immediately.
How to Treat Sports Injuries
Only very rarely are sports injuries so severe that they require medical intervention. If the entire muscle, tendon or ligament is torn, then it might require surgery to rectify the problem.
However, in most cases you need to give your body time to recover. Although it may seem frustrating if you’re raring to get back onto the sports field, sometimes time is the greatest healer. This might mean no exercise at all or doing a less strenuous activity and building up to your normal fitness regime slowly. If you feel well enough to exercise, it’s important to protect the injured area with a shield or pad.
Swelling is a perfectly normal response to a sprain or strain and can be treated most effectively with ice which acts as an anti-inflammatory treatment without the side-effects of some forms of medication. Applying compression in the form of an elasticated bandage can also help to reduce swelling. If the injury remains swollen for longer, however, you should consult a doctor.
Over-the-counter pain medication should be sufficient to relieve any pain you’re feeling. If it doesn’t seem to be working, this is another reason to visit a doctor.
Taking Time Off Work Because of Sports Injuries
Depending on the severity of your injury and your profession, it may require you to take time off work. You should be entitled to sick pay for this period. Unfortunately, time off work can affect your earnings and how you can manage your financial commitments. In such a situation, Cashfloat, a direct lender, can offer you a helping hand in the form of affordable loans. If your injury is so severe that you can no longer work, other creditors should show forbearance about late or missed payments. If they don’t, debt help is available to make sure neither you nor your family suffers.