Injuries incurred during sports activities are occurrences that the majority of athletes and coaches are accustomed to. These conditions can cause physical pain to the athlete, but in many cases can set back the entire team. An ousted team member can cause setbacks in game performance and can have lasting results on the season as well. Like a team is affected by a missing member, a disabled body part influences the entire body. Lower-leg conditions such as sprained ankles, hyper-extended knees, and shin splints can be caused by improper form, lack of stretching, and too much use of the areas below the knees. As reported by medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic, the majority of athletes have to deal with shin splints at some time. Here's how to prevent and treat these painful conditions, as well as preventing other common sports injuries.
Shin Splints: How They Originate
Shin splints cause symptoms such as pain running through the front or sides of the calf and shin areas. The pain can be dramatic and excruciating, especially when increasing pressure on the affected leg. Increased swollen muscle tissue can make the leg feel taut as well as produce visible inflammation and tenderness around the muscles. No matter what type of sport, from soccer to baseball any athlete can suffer from these conditions. Shin splints treatment should be started right away to begin the healing process immediately. Shin splints treatment guidelines followed by sports therapists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the painful area for 1 - 2 days. Continuing physical therapy and preventive exercises include calf and ankle strengthening moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the front leg muscles that surround the shin bone.
Twisting Injuries: How Weak Muscles Affect the Tendons and Ligaments
Twisting injuries are also commonly seen in impact-type sports. This is caused by either an extreme impact, which cannot be avoided, or from weak muscles of the knee, lower leg, and ankle. Weakened muscles can be remedied with lifting weights or sports therapy-approved exercises that target the lower leg. Weakened muscles lead to loosened joints in the ankles and knees so that simple movements or athletic activities can cause twisting injuries. Another helpful measure for stopping these types of injuries are to support the arch of the feet with firm arch support. This can be accomplished with the use of foot orthotics made especially for athletic activities. The doctors at the Cleveland Clinic also recommend taping the arch for extra arch support during games.
Tearing Injuries: Why They Occur in the Lower Leg
Spraining of the tendons and ligaments are also common types of sports-related injuries. This is most commonly found in the connecting structures of the knees and back of the heels. An Achilles injury is usually due to poor flexibility in the heel tendon due to inadequate stretching form. This is an important step in the warm-up procedure that must be taken seriously. Slow stretches without pulsing are recommended for anyone about to exercise. Holding the stretch for a minimum of 30 seconds, resting for a few moments, then repeating the stretch is what kinesiology specialists suggest. Anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) are located in the knee and help maintain the knee structure together. Injuries to this part of the body can be avoided by strengthening the knee, calf and quadriceps through curls and extensions of the leg. Arch support inserts can help avoid both of these type of injuries by supplying proper arch support, ideal cushion, and proper foot form.
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