Spring is finally here! It’s time to get some fresh air and enjoy our workout routines in the sunlight. We all want to enjoy the warm weather to the fullest, so that’s why it’s crucial to prevent injuries. While Island Sports Physical Therapy in Woodbury has your back if you get injured, following some simple tips can help keep you safe.

Common Track and Field Injuries

Many track and field-related injuries occur in the knees, feet, and ankles. Some common injuries you should aim to prevent include: 

• Patellofemoral syndrome (also known as runner’s knee)
• Achilles tendinitis
• Shin splints
• IT band syndrome
• Hamstring injuries
• Plantar fasciitis
• Ankle sprain
• Stress fractures

The RICE protocol can treat many of these injuries, which calls for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, physical therapy in Woodbury or surgery may be necessary for others. 

How to Prevent Injuries

As mentioned previously, track and field injuries are most common in the knees, legs, feet, and ankles. It is impossible to erase the risk of these injuries, but minimizing the risk is possible by keeping these tips in mind:

• Warm-up – Warm up your muscles before engaging in any activity. Dynamic stretching or a light jog can help get your body moving.
• Wear proper shoes – Your shoes take away stress from your feet and ankles. If your shoes don’t fit properly or are worn out, it’s essential to get new ones to prevent injury.
• Take care of any previous injuries – Don’t ignore any injury, no matter how small. They could potentially turn into something worse. Physical therapy in Woodbury can help treat your injury and get you back on your feet. 
• Practice proper technique – Improper technique can put a lot of strain on your joints, causing injury. Island Sports Physical Therapy in Woodbury offers a sports-specific therapy plan to help athletes prevent injuries. We can help teach you the proper technique to avoid more stress on your body.
• Use soft surfaces – Running on the grass or a rubber track is easier on your joints than on the sidewalk. 
• Stay hydrated and eat well – Make sure you drink plenty of fluids such as a sports drink or water during and after your workout. Following a healthy diet can also help keep your body in prime condition.
• Avoid overtraining – It may be tempting to get outside as much as you can to train; however, that can be detrimental. Overtraining can increase your risk of injuries and add more stress to your muscles and joints.
• Physical therapy – Physical therapy in Woodbury can help you maintain peak performance. With a sports-specific therapy plan or a fitness program, physical therapy can help you prevent injuries and heal the ones you may already have. 

Following these tips can keep your body strong and prevent typical track and field injuries. 

Physical Therapy in Woodbury Can Help!

If you are interested in starting a fitness program with us, or you have a sports-related injury, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us! Our team of caring and experienced staff can help! We will create a program specific to your needs so you can get back to enjoying the beautiful Spring weather!

We look forward to helping you on your athletic journey! Visit our website to learn more about us and to schedule an appointment.