You are an athlete, and you enjoy exercise and pushing your body to its limits. Participating in sports can be demanding on your body. Running, jumping, and tackling can place undue strain and stress on muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
No matter how fit you are, you could still sustain common athletic injuries. A chiropractor can help to treat these injuries and help prevent them from reoccurring.
It is a popular misconception that chiropractors only treat injuries related to the neck or back. However, they are trained to treat painful musculoskeletal conditions throughout the body. The chiropractor’s primary goal is to use specialized techniques to repair or improve joint function and to reduce inflammation.
There are as many common sports-related injuries as there are sports. Below is a list of just a few injuries which can be managed and treated by your chiropractor.
- Sprains and strains
Sprains happen when ligaments are stretched too far. In more severe cases the ligaments are torn. The most common types of sprains are seen in the ankles or wrists, where you may experience bruising and painful swelling.
Strains occur when a muscle or tendon is torn. Strains are commonly experienced in the back or hamstrings and can result in muscle spasms.
- Achilles tendonitis
The Achilles tendon stretches from the calf muscle in the back of the leg, all the way to the heel. Achilles tendonitis causes are generally associated with overuse in runners and treatment options in Garden City, MI are available to help heal torn, stretched, or inflamed tendons.
- Knee injuries
Knee injuries are frequently seen in many athletes. Runners can get a condition referred to as “runner’s knee,” which is pain alongside the kneecaps.
Four major ligaments support the knee, and all of them can be damaged during sporting activity.
- Shin splints
Shin splints are pain along the shin bone (or tibia) in the front of the lower leg.
They are associated with overuse, running on hard surfaces, or wearing incorrect footwear. Shin splints can also occur if an athlete fails to warm up or stretch adequately.
- Dislocations
Dislocation happens when bones that form a joint become separated and this injury occurs in high-impact sports.
Joint dislocation is intensely painful, and, in some instances, nerves may also become damaged.
What to do if you are injured and before seeking professional help
Do not try to “push through” the pain if you have an injury. You may make it worse and extend the time it takes to heal.
Make an appointment with your medical professional. In the meantime, you can minimize your discomfort using the RICE method – rest, ice, compression, and elevation to promote healing.
An experienced chiropractor can provide you with treatment options to alleviate any pain and swelling you may have due to injury and help you on your way to a full recovery.
