11 Jun Men’s Health Month: Common Sports Injuries in Men
Sports and fitness activities are great ways to stay healthy while having fun. Whether you’re a professional athlete or play recreational sports, an injury can keep you off the track or out of the game. As part of Men’s Health Month, our team at New York Sports Medicine Institute would like to discuss some of the most common sports injuries in men and how you can avoid them. Continue reading to learn more!
Common Sports Injuries in Men
Any time you set out on the field to play, regardless of the exercise, sport or location, you are always at risk of injury. Repeated wear and tear on your body can also add up and cause excessive stress on muscles and joints and lead to a sports injury. Certain sports injuries tend to affect men at a higher rate than women. Since a lot of men’s sports are more contact-centered, male athletes are at a higher risk of acute trauma injuries. No matter what level you play at, an injury can be challenging to deal with. Here are some of the most common sports injuries in men:
- Ankle Sprain – An ankle sprain occurs when you roll your ankle during sports. When the ankle awkwardly turns, the tendons and ligaments can become stretched or even tear or rupture. Ankle sprains are common among football players but can also occur in any athlete who runs or jumps and lands awkwardly.
- Plantar Fasciitis – Plantar fasciitis is a strain of the plantar fascia on the arch of your foot. Athletes who do a lot of running or sprinting are commonly affected by this injury.
- Quad Strain – The quadricep muscle is one of the strongest muscles in the body that helps you carry your weight. This area is constantly in use during physical activity. A quad strain can occur if you haven’t warmed up properly before a sprint or other rigorous training. The quadricep can also become strained when it is overused or overstretched at any time.
- Ligament Injury – The knee is a complex joint that can experience a variety of injuries. Intense sports with twisting and turning and prolonged running can routinely cause strains of the knee ligaments. A severe tear or strain may require surgery and significant rehabilitation.
- Rotator Cuff Tears – The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that help stabilize the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff tears are common in baseball players and result from overuse or trauma to the area.
Treating Sports Injuries
Treatments for men’s sports injuries will vary depending on the injury’s type, location, and severity. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we provide innovative sports medicine care to help athletes of all levels recover from injuries and return to the sport they love. Our team will evaluate your injury and determine the best personalized treatment for your needs. If you require surgery, our orthopedic surgeon offers minimally invasive procedures for several sports injuries and conditions and is highly regarded for providing total joint replacement surgery.
Preventing Sports Injuries
During Men’s Health Month, it’s vital to be proactive about injury prevention. The best way to prevent a sports injury is to utilize the following injury prevention strategies:
- Utilize the proper technique as you move during your sport or activity.
- Avoid pushing yourself through pain. If you’re injured, make sure you are recovered before starting up training again.
- Warm-up and cool down before and after physical activity to keep your muscles in good condition.
Contact Us
No matter your activity level or sport, our team at New York Sports Medicine Institute is here to help you get back in the game after an injury. Our treatments are designed to ensure a smooth recovery, improve your athletic performance, and facilitate a safe return to play. To learn more about sports injuries in men or request an appointment, be sure to contact us today!