Staying active in high school and college was probably easier than it is now for those who played team sports or participated in recreational activities. With desk jobs and stressful work environments, many people fall off the exercise bandwagon.
As a person ages, certain activities may become increasingly difficult or cause more wear and tear on a person’s body than they once did. Therefore, it’s important to start slow and maintain realistic goals and expectations.
“If you go above and beyond your current ability, you may end up paying for it,” says Michael Yusaf, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine at Crittenton. “Rather than trying to cram all the exercise you missed during a busy workweek into one rigorous weekend, I encourage people to maintain a consistent routine.”
Sports-Specific Conditioning
According to Paul Siatczynski, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon also specializing in Sports Medicine at Crittenton, one of his patients’ major downfalls is forgetting to condition specifically for their sport.
“Many of my patients suffer from a variety of injuries that stem from overuse,” says Dr. Siatczynski. “Whether you’re a golfer, a tennis player, or a runner, you need to remember to condition yourself for that sport rather than using your sport to stay in shape.”
Appropriate conditioning will involve aerobic activity, stretching, and strengthening regardless of sport. While these three general activities are components of any satisfactory conditioning routine, each sport has specific stretching and strengthening activities that can help tailor workouts to the physical fitness needs of that sport.
“For instance, a softball player might work to strengthen his or her rotator cuff, while a basketball player would focus more on running and technique,” says Dr. Siatczynski. “Parts of a conditioning routine should be somewhat sport-specific.”
To determine an appropriate sports conditioning plan, patients should first speak with a physician. He or she can help develop an exercise routine that will be safe for a patient’s level of fitness and provide resources about sport-specific exercises.
In The Case of an Injury
Sports- and exercise-related injuries are always a possibility, even if a prescribed exercise plan is maintained. Experts find that touch football, basketball, and soccer are the three most common culprits of injury.
“By nature of how these sports are played—with a great deal of physical contact, as well as extensive pivoting of the knees— participants are more prone to injury,” says Dr. Yusaf. “Knee injuries are the most common type of injury for those three sports, but shoulder injuries sustained from falls are also very common.”
If a minor injury is sustained, keeping the affected limb iced and elevated, taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, and simply reducing activity levels may be an effective treatment regimen.
However, if pain persists for several days—and especially if it gets worse—medical attention may be needed.
“The best thing you can do to avoid injury is be adequately prepared,” says Dr. Yusaf. “Maintain your health as much as possible, and never try to do more than your body can handle. If you do sustain an injury, the quicker you seek treatment, the sooner you can recover and return to your sport or activity.”
To learn more about joint replacement surgery, visit www.crittenton.com/joint-replacement and click on “Orthopaedic Services” under “Clinical Services,” or call 888-904-4325.
