Five things athletes can do to avoid injury

“As everyone knows who participates in athletics, regardless of the sport, there is always the potential of some type of injury,” said Philip Martin, superintendent of the Terrebonne Parish public school system.

As reported in a recent USA Today story, more than 3.5 million kids 14 and under are treated for sports injuries each year, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Dr. H. Lawrence Haydel II, an orthopedic surgeon with Terrebonne General Medical Center and Houma Orthopedics, said while you can’t eliminate injuries completely, you can decrease your chances of injury.

The most common injuries include concussions, stress fractures, knee problems and overuse injuries.

Here are five things local athletes and sports staffs can do to help avoid injuries:

Hydration and proper nutrition

D’Antoni, 47, of Thibodaux, who started assisting athletic trainers while attending high school, said this is one of the most important factors in dealing with the heat in south Louisiana.

Optimizing sleep time and recovery time and providing solid nutrition and fewer calorie-packed, sweetened sports drinks will help keep kids strong and fit.

Maintain adequate condition

Haydel said, while stretching is important, it’s important for athletes to be conditioned for the sports they participate in.

He said that usually starts months before you know you’re going to start your respective sport.

Stretching

Stretching helps to maintain muscles and prevent strains and tears.

D’Antoni, who has worked as an athletic trainer for the New Orleans Saints and St. James High School, said it’s important to stretch, however, he admits that he’s often asked if it’s better to stretch before or after an activity.

It’s a “real tough question to answer,” he said.

Stretching before cuts down on muscle strains, while stretching after reduces the amount of lactic acid in the muscles and reduces muscle cramping.

Wear the proper protective gear

Haydel said this seems simple enough, but athletes should wear the correct safety equipment and shoes.

“The helmets they use these days are better than they used to be,” he said.

Learn proper technique

Whatever the sport — football, basketball, volleyball — D’Antoni said learning your sport’s proper technique always reduces the chance of a sports-related injury.

Read more: http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20110815/ARTICLES/110819694/1026/sitemaps?p=1&tc=pg