Health Tip: Muscle Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are common injuries that result from sports and exercise. Sprains involve a stretch or tear of a ligament, while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon.
While everyone is prone to strains and sprains, here are suggestions from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons on how you can help prevent them:
* Try a conditioning program that will help strengthen muscles.
* Every day, do a few stretching exercises.
* Always wear shoes that support and fit properly.
* Always warm up before any sport or activity.
* Wear appropriate protective gear before participating in sports or exercise.
* Eat a healthy, balanced diet so that your muscles are well-nourished.
Health Tip: Wear and Tear on the Knees
Knee joints can wear as you age, or after years of high-impact exercise.
Here are ways to help minimize damage to knees, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:
* Avoid activities that tend to damage the knees, such as running, tennis, baseball and basketball.
* Engage in low-impact activities, such as swimming, biking, golf or walking.
* Talk to your doctor about anti-inflammatory medications, or joint supplements to help preserve the knees. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be injected by your doctor.
* Physical therapy and icing the knees can help improve function.
* Protective gear such as a brace, splint or elastic bandage can help support a weakened knee.
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