Due to high drive, determination and dedication, we commonly see mid-aged athletes often scheduling visits for sports-related pain. But, unfortunately, as they push boundaries as they once did, the body cannot keep up and rebuild as it once did, increasing the chance of harm.
So, after a long week spinning in an office chair, sinking hoops, and a 36-hole weekend it’s no wonder the middle-aged body is aching!
The eight most common sports injuries in Dallas, TX are:
- Strains & Sprains
- Knee injury
- Fractures
- Tennis elbow
- Shin splints
- Back injury
- Concussion
- Dislocated joint
To help prevent and treat these common sports injuries, we encourage you to learn when it’s time to take a bench and seek treatment – read on!
The most common sports-related injuries in Dallas:
Sprains & Strains or “Pulled Muscles”
Did you know there’s a difference between a sprain and strain? A sprain is a condition caused by ligaments (a band of tissue) being overstretched and commonly in the wrong direction, like a “twisted ankle.”
Like a sprain, a strain occurs the same, but with muscles and tendons rather than ligaments – most commonly affecting the hamstring and back.
Knee injuries
High impact sports can leave you weak at the knees (and not in a good way). Often known as “runner’s knee,” due to irritated soft tissues around the joints, knee pain, joint pain, and other injuries can be excruciating and result in popping and cracking.
Fractures
It’s never a good sign when a “snap or crack” comes from a bone! Unfortunately, fractures are common sports injuries that can occur more often in middle-aged athletes participating in high-impact sports due to the increased risk of osteoporosis.
In addition, as a person ages, bones become naturally thinner and susceptible to fractures.
Tennis elbow
Scoring all the points might be causing a racket in the body! Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow occurs by the repetitive wrist and arm motion, irritating the tendon found within the below area.
Shin Splints
Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), or more commonly known, shin splints, is a term used to describe symptoms of pain that occur on your lower leg, front leg, and often along the side of the lower leg, next to the shin bone (tibia).
Often happening during high-energy exercising, this painful sensation results from too much stress on the tibia bone.
Back pain & injuries
Whether the sport is basketball, football, pole vaulting, or gymnastics, the spine undergoes a tremendous amount of stress, absorption of pressure, turning and twisting, and even bodily impact in most sports-related activities.
Back pain and injuries can happen to some of the most proficient athletes, especially after repetitive strenuous activity.
Concussions
Concussions occur from direct hits to the head, resulting in rapid acceleration inside the skull leading to a plethora of unwanted symptoms. To name a few: massive migraine, neck pain, losing consciousness, nausea, and vomiting.
Dislocated joints
Just as it sounds, dislocation occurs when two bones separate at the joint where they meet. Often arising from contact sports, like football or car accidents, dislocated joints frequently occur in the shoulder or fingers.
Prevention
Exercise does the body well, and with proper precautions, injuries can often be prevented. Check out these quick tips for avoiding common sports injuries:
- Avoid heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration by drinking plenty of water.
- Create a fitness plan that includes strength training, cardiovascular training, and flexibility training. The variety will give muscles a break in between sets.
- Spend two times as long as you warm up to cool down.
- Reduce chances for risk for injury by performing stretching exercises. Start each stretch slowly until you feel tension within the muscle. Trying should not feel painful. Make it a goal to hold each period for up to twenty seconds.
- Utilize the proper gear and shoes that provide support, and that may correct any foot problems you may have.
- Use proper technique and always ask for help if you do not know-how.
- Be sure to rest when tired. Avoid fitness when you are in pain or tired.
- If you sustain a common sports injury, be sure you participate in adequate rehabilitation before resuming strenuous activities.
Treatments & Sports Injuries in Dallas
Being active is the BEST thing we can do for our bodies. Sometimes, however, you can injure yourself when playing the game.
Common causes of sports injuries include poor technique, improper warm-up, or perhaps a lack of cross-training. Of course, anyone can be injured at any time, but age certainly plays a crucial role in recovering your flexibility.
If you find yourself injured, we encourage you to start the recovery process as soon as possible. At ARI, we offer a wide variety of treatment options for the entire athletic spectrum to help you get back to the time to do the things you love.
Learn more about our minimally invasive treatments for sports injuries, including chiropractic care, injections, and pain treatment, by calling (972) 945-0785.
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