Sports and Stress Fractures: 3 Preventative Measures
Getting enough exercise plays an important role in helping to maintain a healthy body. Many people enjoy playing sports as part of their exercise routine. Unfortunately, participation in sports can mean the potential for stress fractures.
If you want to prevent stress fractures in the future, here are three preventative measures you can take as an athlete to protect your body from injury.
1. Ease into participation in sports slowly.
While you might be tempted to jump right in and give a sport all you have (especially if you are competitive), easing into sports is essential when it comes to preventing stress fractures. A government study shows that 80% of Americans don't get the recommended amount of exercise. If you are just beginning to play a sport and haven't been conditioning your body to withstand the physical demands associated with being an athlete, then exerting too much effort too quickly could result in a stress fracture.
Instead, try reducing the number of times you play a sport each week or taking it easy while participating in sports activities until your body has a chance to develop the strength required to prevent injury.
2. Make sure you invest in the right pair of running shoes.
Footwear can play an important role in helping to prevent stress fractures. If your sport requires a significant amount of running, then having a running shoe that supports your foot properly will help you absorb the impact of your foot hitting the ground.
As you are shopping for new running shoes, be sure that you look for a pair of shoes with good shock absorption and heel control. You also want enough cushioning to prevent not only stress fracture but other impact injuries like shin splints and heel pain. Make an appointment at an establishment like Personal Foot Care, LLC if you have recurring pain.
3. Make sure your diet is geared toward maintaining healthy bones.
Dense bones are healthy bones and have the ability to withstand the physical impact that can lead to stress fractures. If you know that you will be participating heavily in sports, then you should ensure your diet is geared toward maintaining healthy bones in order to protect yourself from the pain of a stress fracture.
Since calcium helps contribute to bone health, your diet should include calcium-rich foods. In addition to dairy products, calcium can be found in kale, almonds, and white beans. You may want to consider taking a calcium supplement to help guard against stress fractures as well.
As an athlete, your participation in sports (and the associated physical strain) makes you a prime candidate for stress fractures. Help to prevent these sports injuries by easing into demanding physical activity, investing in a good pair of running shoes, and consuming enough calcium to keep your bones healthy.
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