There is no foolproof way to guarantee the prevention of orthopedic injuries or problems. However, there are certainly some ways through which you can lower your risk of sustaining an orthopedic injury or other problem, especially if you are more susceptible to injuries or problems due to your age, activity level, and overall health.
An orthopedic doctor is an expert who can provide you with all the necessary education and guidance for injury prevention. Let’s explore some common injury prevention tips recommended by orthopedic doctors.
Stay Active Safely
Staying active and performing regular exercise safely is crucial for preventing orthopedic injuries, especially as you age or if you have underlying health conditions that increase your risk of sustaining an injury. Always see your orthopedic doctor before starting any new exercise or physical activity. An orthopedic doctor can assess your current health status and provide recommendations tailored to your unique needs.
If you have a musculoskeletal system issue, such as a joint problem, consider low-impact exercises such as swimming, stationary cycling, or water aerobics because they are gentle on joints.
Warm-ups and Cool-downs
Always start your exercise routine with proper warm-ups and engage in cool-down after your workout. Warm-up includes light aerobic activities, such as walking or jogging, that help prepare the body for the exercise routine and prevent injuries. On the other hand, cool-downs help the body recover from the effect of exercise and reduce muscle soreness after the workout.
Keep Your Bones and Joints Healthy
Our bones and joints provide us with support, mobility, and protection. Unfortunately, as we enter our golden years, our bones and joints naturally become weak and more susceptible to orthopedic problems and injuries.
An orthopedic doctor recommends keeping your bones and joints healthy by consuming a bone and joint-friendly diet: dairy products, fatty fish, egg yolk, mushrooms, cod liver oil, tofu, fortified cereals, and leafy green vegetables. Refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption and regularly get a DEXA bone scan.
Maintain Proper Posture
Many orthopedic injuries stem from poor posture. That’s why orthopedic doctors recommend maintaining proper posture while performing exercise or any physical activity. Good posture reduces stress on joints, prevents muscle strains, and supports the spine, reducing the risk of orthopedic problems.
Use the Right Gear
Using the right gear enhances your performance and reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. Whether playing sports, exercising, or engaging in outdoor activities, choosing and using the right protective gear is key to staying safe and enjoying your activities to the fullest.
Different types of exercises and physical activities require different types of protective gear. Your orthopedic or sports medicine doctor can help you choose the type of protective gear for your unique physical activity.
It is also recommended to regularly change your protective gear, such as shoes, as they can wear and tear over time and put you at risk for injuries.
Orthopedic Doctor in San Antonio, TX
Whether you have sustained an orthopedic injury or are looking for some effective tips and tricks to prevent orthopedic problems, consider visiting our highly trained professionals here at the Center for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Our highly trained and skilled sports medicine doctors and orthopedic surgeons perform a thorough evaluation to determine your risk for sustaining orthopedic problems and provide necessary education and guidance on injury prevention.
To schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic doctors, call us today at (210) 692-7400 or use our online appointment request form.
