Sports injuries are occurrences that most athletes and coaches are accustomed to.  These injuries can temporarily disable the athlete, but in many cases can disable the entire team. A disabled team member can hurt the outcome of games and can have lasting influence on the season as well.  Just as one missing athlete affects a team, an injured body part influences the entire body. Injuries such as shin splints, ankle injuries, and twisted knees can be caused by poor form, lack of stretching, and overuse of the feet and lower legs. Cited by medical doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, the majority of athletes have to deal with shin splints at some time.  Here’s how to avoid and heal these painful problems, as well as averting other recurring sports injuries.

Shin Splints: How They Originate

There are many symptoms caused by shin splints such as pain in the front or side areas of the lower leg. This pain can be constant and debilitating, especially when applying pressure on the affected leg.  There can also be swelling in the area that can produce tightness as well as make puffiness visible in the muscles.  No matter what type of sport, from cross country to basketball any athlete can be afflicted by these conditions.  It is important that  shin splints treatment be commenced within minutes to jump-start the tissue repair process.  The most common treatment for shin splints guidelines followed by sports therapists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the affected area for 1 – 2 days. Continuing physical therapy and preventative exercises include strength training moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the group of long muscles that run from the knee to the ankle.

Twisting Injuries: How Weak Muscles Affect the Tendons and Ligaments

Twisting injuries are also commonly seen in impact-type sports. This is caused by either a forceful injury, which cannot be avoided, or from weak muscles of the knee, lower leg, and ankle.  Weakened muscles can be remedied with lifting weights or exercises prescribed by a physical therapist that target the lower leg. Damaged muscles lead to weakened support structures in the entire lower leg so that simple movements or shifts in position can cause twisting injuries. Another helpful measure for preventing these types of injuries are to be sure the feet have proper foot arch support.  This can be accomplished through sports orthotics that support the foot during impact. The medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic also suggest taping the arch for additional foot arch support during athletic activity.

Tearing Injuries: Why They Occur in the Lower Leg

Tearing of the connective tissues are also typical kinds of sports injuries. This can be found most often in the tendon in the back of the heel and the knee ligament. An Achilles injury is commonly caused by little flexibility in the heel tendon due to poor stretching exercises. This is a vital part in the stretching routine that should never be skipped. Mild stretches without force are recommended for anyone about to exercise. Kinesiologists recommend a 30 second stretch, releasing for a few seconds, and then repeating the stretch. ACL (Anterior cruciate ligaments) are found in the knee and help maintain the knee structure together. Injuries to this area can be prevented by strength training the knee , calf and quadriceps through curls and extensions of the leg.  The right arch support inserts can help avert both of these types of injuries by giving proper arch support, ideal cushion, and proper foot form.






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