It’s no secret that doing physical activities regularly has several health benefits to people of all ages, however, it can also result in accidental injuries, some of which require complicated treatments. Prevention and recovery from sports injuries are considered an ongoing issue that athletes of all ages face. If you become injured while doing physical activity, it’s best to have the guidance of a sports medicine specialist to receive the safest and most effective treatment.
There are several myths related to sports injuries and recovery methods that often lead to either incorrect treatment of an injury or a more serious problem due to patients not seeking treatment right away. As sports medicine specialists, part of our job is to dispel myths.
Here are some common myths you’ve probably heard:
MYTH: “Rest is best.”
Truth: This is not entirely true. Rest may decrease inflammation and pain in the beginning, but it won’t treat the real cause of an injury. It is crucial to have an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan set up by your doctor instead of just resting and hoping the injury will disappear.
MYTH: “No pain, no gain.”
Truth: The popular belief that you have to go through pain to be stronger isn’t really the case. Exercising and playing sports don’t have to be painful. If you experience acute pain, it may be due to using poor technique or a serious injury that should be examined by a physician. Experiencing soreness, stiffness, or discomfort is expected, but having sharp pain is never usual.
MYTH: “Heat can be used immediately after an injury.”
Truth: After an injury, the best treatment for the first 2-3 days is ice. After an injury, a lot of blood flows to the area, leading to swelling. Ice decreases the initial swelling and numbs the area to help reduce pain. On the other hand, heat can cause the area to swell more. In certain cases, heat can be used, but always ask your doctor before using heat on the affected area.
Myth: “Feeling a ‘pop’ is a bad sign.”
Truth: This may or may not be true. Your first impression may be that it is a serious injury. However, before getting an evaluation, there is no way to be sure. If you feel pain after an acute injury, have it evaluated right away, regardless of whether you heard a pop or not, or how well you can walk or move.
Myth: “Being strong will prevent injuries.”
Truth: Any athlete can become injured at any time, no matter how strong they are. Making your muscles strong is essential for lifting, jumping, and running. However, sports injuries can happen if an athlete over-exerts themselves or gets fatigued or dehydrated. Accurate training and conditioning, while permitting breaks between training sessions for muscle recovery, are the best ways to decrease the risk of injuries.
Myth: “An ACL tear is an injury that definitely ends your career.”
Truth: An ACL tear is a significant injury in any athlete’s career. However, it is in no way career-ending. Arthroscopic surgery with an individualize rehabilitation program can help you recover to your previous level of performance. Several national and international athletes have returned stronger after an ACL injury.
Sports Medicine Doctors in Farmington Hills, MI
At Tri County Orthopedics, our doctors have a lot of experience when it comes to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and conditions related to athletes. We help both professional and amateur athletes of any age and help patients get back to active lifestyles and top performance as rapidly as possible.
To request a thorough consultation, contact us at (248) 474-5575 or request an online appointment.
