WellSpan Health is advising student athletes to take preventive steps as they return to school sports and other physical activities.
Dr. Edward Gusick, a sports medicine physician at WellSpan Orthopedics in Selinsgrove, recommends gradually increasing activity levels, participating in preseason conditioning and focusing on strength, flexibility and endurance. Athletes should also follow instructions from coaches regarding practice intensity and recovery.
Students should warm up with dynamic stretching and light aerobic activity before practices and games. Cooling down and stretching afterward can support recovery and flexibility.
Signs of an overuse injury may include persistent pain, joint swelling, decreased performance, limping, changes in movement or pain that does not improve with rest. Parents and coaches should encourage athletes to report pain instead of continuing to play through an injury.
WellSpan also recommends using properly fitted protective equipment, including helmets, supportive footwear, mouthguards, shin guards and knee pads. Athletic shoes should be replaced when significantly worn.
Athletes should drink water before, during and after activity, take regular hydration breaks and increase fluid intake during hot or humid conditions.
Medical care may be needed for severe pain, significant swelling, an inability to bear weight, visible deformity, persistent pain or repeated injuries to the same area. WellSpan provides orthopedic, sports medicine and urgent orthopedic services for sprains, strains, fractures and joint pain.
Photo credits to WellSpan Health
