Whether it is through group sports or individual gym sessions, it is no secret that physical activity helps regulate weight and keeps the body healthy. However, sports injuries are a real threat to your ability to stay active. Luckily, most sports-related injuries are not only treatable but are also preventable.

Joint Sprains

You may sprain a joint if you overstretch or tear a ligament. The areas that are commonly affected by joint sprains include the back, knees, wrists, thumbs, and ankles. Certain sports increase the risk of spraining a joint, such as football, hockey, soccer, gymnastics, and golf.

While the R.I.C.E. method has been popular for decades as a first aid approach, Spartan asserts that trying to interrupt the body’s innate healing mechanisms can backfire. Instead, use A.R.I.T.A. — Active Recovery Is The Answer. There are exceptions, of course—you may have no choice but to immobilize a broken limb, but for most sports injuries, let your pain be your guide and keep on moving as much or as little as your mending body allows. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to alleviate pain and swelling, but don’t use them to go past your limits.

Heat-Related Illness

Many school programs begin to train athletes in the heat, but this increases the risk of people suffering from heat-related illnesses. According to GBW Law, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke all pose a serious threat to the health of all players. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include muscle cramps, persistent thirst, and dizziness. If these symptoms are not treated, they can progress to more severe illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is typified by confusion, a loss of coordination, and nausea or vomiting, whereas heatstroke is typified by strange behavior, loss of consciousness, and heavy sweating or a loss of sweat.

You can prevent heat-related illnesses by staying hydrated and by recognizing symptoms early. To treat heat exhaustion, focus on replacing lost fluids and salts by sipping on cool, slightly salty beverages. The goal is to keep cool until professional help arrives.

Concussions

Concussions are defined as a serious injury to the brain caused by trauma to the head. Some symptoms of concussions include slurred speech, confusion, and light sensitivity. Medical clearance by a trained healthcare professional is required before an athlete with a concussion resumes physical activity. The most common treatments include resting, slowly increasing physical activity, and reducing mental and physical stress. Although most individuals do not experience long-term consequences, multiple or frequent concussions increase the risk of permanent damage, according to Leading Edge Physiotherapy. Recovery methods are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure maximum benefit.

Many sports-related injuries are treatable, but serious injuries should always be evaluated by a medical professional. You should see a doctor if you have any joint/bone deformities, excessive swelling, severe discoloration, or an inability to bear weight on the limb. Seeking help safeguards against prolonged healing and severe damage.