Staying Away From Sports Injuries By Using Orthotic Shoe Inserts
Sports injuries are occurrences that many athletes and coaches are accustomed to. These injuries can not only be painful for the athlete, but in many cases can disable the entire team. A disabled team member can affect the outcome of games and can have lasting repercussions on the season as well. Similar to the way a team is influenced by a benched member, an injured body part influences the entire body. Injuries such as sprained ankles, hyper-extended knees, and shin splints can be caused by improper form, lack of stretching, and excessive use of the lower body. Cited by medical physicians at the Cleveland Clinic, almost every athlete have to deal with shin splints at some time. Here's how to prevent and treat these painful conditions, as well as preventing other recurring sports injuries.

How Sports Can Cause Shin Splints to Occur

There are many symptoms caused by shin splints such as frontal pain in the shin area. The pain can be dramatic and excruciating, especially when putting pressure on the affected leg. Increased swollen muscle tissue can make the leg feel taut as well as make puffiness visible around the muscles. No matter what type of activities, from cross country to basketball any athlete can suffer from these conditions. Shin pain treatment should be commenced within minutes to jump-start the tissue repair process. Shin splints treatment guidelines followed by sports therapists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the affected area for 1 - 2 days. Ongoing physical therapy and strengthening exercises include strength training moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the muscles in the front of the shin.

Ankle and Knee Injuries Can Make the Season Come to a Halt

Twisting injuries are also commonly seen in impact-type sports. This is caused by either a blunt-force injury, which cannot be prevented, or from weak muscles of the lower leg, knee, and ankle. Weakened muscles can be remedied with lifting weights or sports therapy-approved exercises that target the knee and ankle. Weakened muscles lead to loosened joints in the ankles and knees so that simple movements or shifts in position can cause twisting injuries. Another helpful measure for stopping these types of injuries are to support the arch of the feet with firm foot arch support. This can be accomplished specially-designed arch support inserts made for sports activities. The doctors at the Cleveland Clinic also advise taping the arch for additional arch support during sports activities.

How Tearing Injuries Happen

Spraining of the connective tissues are also widespread 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 commonly caused by little flexibility in the heel tendon due to poor stretching form. This is a vital part in the stretching routine that should never be skipped. Gentle stretches without much force are suggested for athletes prior to activity. Holding the stretch for a minimum of 30 seconds, resting for a few moments, then repeating the stretch is what kinesiology specialists suggest. ACL (Anterior cruciate ligaments) are found in the knee and help hold the knee structure together. Injuries to this region can be prevented by strengthening the knee and lower leg through curls and extensions of the leg. Orthotics can help prevent both of these type of injuries by supplying proper arch support, foot alignment, and cushioning.