Stay in the Game: Tips on SportsPreventingInjuries

We,ve all witnessed a sporting event pause for an injured player. Fortunately, there are specialists to help athletes immediately on the fild and recover from injuries such as an ACL or labral tears.

When engaging in physical activity, there,s no guarantee that no one will get injured. However, Dr. Brittney Warren, an orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake, offers suggestions on the best ways to avoid sports injuries. Whether you ,re an athlete or the occasional pickleball player, these tips effectively keep you in the game.

Sports Injury Prevention

Exercise regularly. Find a consistent routine to get your body moving all year round. Choose a routine that balances your strength and flexbility.

Strengthen your core. You should work to build muscle groups evenly. But it’s essential to build a strong core. Ths improves your balance and stability no matter the sport you,re playing.

Practice good form and technique. Many injuries result from twisting, turning or landing incorrectly.

“ACL injuries often occur after a noncontact, awkward landing,” Warren explained. “Practicing good form builds muscle memory, so when you,re in the game, you,re less likely to injure yourself.”

E at a balanced diet. Eating healthy and in moderation is a good rule of thumb. It helps you maintain an appropriate weight, which means less stress on your joints. Fueling your body correctly will improve your focus and performance, which lowers your injury risk.

Listen to your body. It,s good practice to listen to your body,s cues. Whether you didn,t get enough sleep or are fatigued from a strenuous workout, it’s important to recognize the signs of fatigue.

If you sustain a sports injury, the best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. Together, you can begin a treatment plan to get you back in the game. •

SAME-DAY ORTHOPEDIC INJURY CLINIC

When injuries can’t wait, visit the walk-in Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic at Clear Lake Hospital — no appointment is needed. Our experts will quickly evaluate and treat your injury. The clinic provides s ame-day treatment for:

■ Fractures and broken bones

■ Injured tendons

■ Minor dislocations

■ Sports injuries

■ Sprains and strains

■ Torn ligaments

To learn more about the injury clinic, visit houstonmethodist.org/osm-injury-cl or call 346.888.1661

Chronic conditions, back or spine injuries, motor vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation injuries are not treated at the injury clinic. Call 346.888.1661 to schedule an appointment with the appropriate physician for those conditions.