People who work out generally do so to become healthier and stay active. However, sometimes an injury will occur that can take you out of the game, at least temporarily. It may be hard for someone who is active to sit and rest when an injury occurs. The following are some common injuries to watch for while working out.
Ankle Injuries
If you like to run or hike, you may have rolled or sprained your ankle at some point in time. Many people believe that ankle injuries occur when running outside on uneven ground. However, it is possible to injure your ankle while running on a treadmill as well. And if you’re an avid hiker, you probably already know that ankle injuries are some of the most common injuries that occur on the trail. To protect yourself from ankle injuries, it is important to wear shoes with ankle support or even wear a brace if you have weak ankles.
Muscle Pulls/Strains
For those who lift weights, muscle pulls and strains may occur regularly. These can be more of an annoyance than anything else, but they can worsen if they are not allowed to heal. Almost any exertion can cause a muscle pull or strain, so using proper form when lifting weights or doing any activity is important.
Shin Splints
Shin splints can sideline you for quite a while as they can be both excruciating and long-lasting. Shin splints are typically caused by running or walking on uneven ground, up or downhill, or on hard asphalt. They can also be caused by wearing old shoes. Shin splints normally require a lot of rest and ice in order to heal, but they can be avoided by making sure you replace old shoes when they wear out and by stretching regularly before beginning any exercise.
Knees
Knee injuries are some of the most common injuries during workouts because our knees receive a brunt of the force when we run, walk, or jump. The pressure from such activities can result in torn ligaments, issues with the knee cap, or general strain. While they aren’t entirely avoidable, it is possible to decrease your chance of a knee injury by paying close attention to your movements and avoiding any twisting movements.
Bike/Car Contact Injuries
Whenever you work out outside, you must be aware of your surroundings. This includes traffic and bicycle situations. Whether you are running, walking, or biking, you should always be aware of automobiles on the road. Cyclists are injured every day by accidents with cars, and it’s important to talk to Utah bicycle accident lawyers if this happens to you. To avoid injuries in the first place, you should be sure that you know all of the rules of the road and be sure that you are always paying attention to your surroundings.
Low Back Strain
Improper form during weight training can lead to low back strain. Before engaging in any exercises such as squats, deadlifts, or those that require twisting, it is important to be trained on the proper technique to be used to avoid injury.
Staying healthy can be achieved by working out regularly, but avoiding injury is important for long-term health. Being knowledgeable about techniques you can use to prevent injury and how you can heal after an injury occurs is equally important.
This article is courtesy of Anita Ginsburg, a freelance writer from Denver who often writes about home, family, law and business. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing.
