Keepig active through sports is one of the cornerstones of good health. It is no wonder then that governments, schools, and medical institutions promote many types of games at national and regional levels. That said, as people increase their activity levels through sports, the same goes for the risk of contracting sports injuries.
Thousands of people experience sports injuries every year. The majority of cases are minor, although some are serious enough that it led to death or impairment. Such incidents highlight the significance of seeking help from an osteopath if you suspect that you’ve suffered a sports injury.
What are some of the most common causes of sports injuries?
Many Melbourne osteopaths that the majority of cases around sports-related injuries have to do with the ankle. It’s easy to see why when you consider that each one is comprised of more than 26 bones that support the entire weight of the body. Imagine the amount of strain that the ankle endures with just an hour of grueling exercise.
Another factor that makes the ankles prone to sports injury is that its’ comprised of three types of ligaments including the talofibular ligament that connects the lower ankle to the leg. This muscle bears the brunt of the force caused by a jump or a fall which can stretch or tear the ligament completely. If that happens, the result is a sprain which is a collective term that describes significant damage to any of the ligaments.
Factors that increase the risk of ankle-related sports injuries include the following:
- Performing strenuous activities on uneven ground
- Previous ankle injuries
- Obesity
- No warmup exercises
- Ill-fitting shoes
Ankle-related sports injury has several categories based on severity:
- Grade 1 describes a stretch or small tear of the ligament — the most common ankle sports injury.
- Grade 2 describes a ligament tear accompanied by some degree of loosening.
- Category 3 represents a total ligament tear leading to a loose joint.
Many of the best osteopaths in Melbourne recommend the “RICE” approach (Rest, Ice compress, and elevation) as an immediate treatment for ankle injuries. At least until the severity of the damage can be determined and a more specialized method of treatment. This need not be complicated and can be as simple as using an ankle brace. However, severe cases may require an ankle cast or even surgery.
As a preventive measure, it makes sense to make use of ankle supports and braces for support and arrange a consultation with an osteopath if you suspect that you’ve suffered a sports-related injury. There is a broad range of ankle supports and ankles braces available that can assist deal compression and support the anterior talofibular ligament.
Regrettably, people who’ve sustained an ankle injury (or any sports-related injury for that matter) will be prone to suffer the same in the future. If that sounds a lot like you, then it’s essential to take steps to prevent the same injury or, better yet, switch to another sport that does not carry the same risks.