Getting a sports injury can leave you out of the game for an extended period while you recover. As agonizing and frustrating as a sports injury can be, there are things that you can do to try to speed up your recovery time so that you can return to play faster. Here are some of the best ways to heal your body after getting a sports injury.
See a Doctor
One of the first things that you should do after suffering a sports injury is to see a doctor to have the injury evaluated to determine the exact course of treatment that will be needed. X-rays and other diagnostic tests can be used to learn the extent of the injury. If the injury occurred on a weekend or at another time when your primary care physician’s office is closed, urgent care centers are open to provide treatment. There is also the option of going to an orthopedic specialist or a chiropractor but you may need to get a referral from your primary care physician first so that your insurance will cover the treatment.
Many athletes find that seeing a chiropractor, physical therapist or massage therapist regularly can greatly help to prevent injury and help to heal aches and pains throughout the season. If you have that option consider trying to find a specialist in your area. For instance, if you live in Georgia you might look for a chiropractor in Stockbridge, GA. Make sure you look for a highly qualified specialist wherever you are.
Follow Through with Treatment
It’s important to follow through with your prescribed treatment so that your body heals sufficiently. Failing to go through the course of treatment entirely could interfere with the healing process, which can create additional problems that require more invasive treatments to resolve. For example, if your doctor tells you to wear a brace, splint, or cast for a few weeks to heal a broken bone, you could put your wellbeing in jeopardy if you stop wearing it too soon because of the discomfort that it causes. You should also show up to all your recommended appointments so that your condition and healing can be monitored more closely.
Protect the Injured Area
To keep your injury from getting worse, you’ll want to keep the area of your body where it’s located protected as much as possible. If your doctor hasn’t already prescribed a brace, splint or cast for you to wear, you can try wrapping the area for a less-serious injury. If you have an injured toe, Harvard Health suggests taping it to a healthy neighboring toe for added protection. You may also have to try to avoid getting the injury wet if any wrapping or device around the area could get damaged from the moisture. To keep the injured part dry while showering, you can use a garbage bag or a cast bag that you can purchase online or in stores to place over the area.
Eat the Right Foods
Certain foods are known to promote better healing because of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that they provide to the body. Foods that are high in vitamins A and C, such as strawberries, peppers, and broccoli, can aid in recovery by boosting healthier cell production and tissue repair. Milk, cheese, and other calcium-rich foods can help heal bone breaks and fractures better. The omega-3 fatty acids that are found in salmon and other types of fish are known to reduce inflammation, which can further aid in healing from a sports injury. The protein that’s found in chicken, red meat, and peanut butter can help make the muscles stronger and healthier and may speed up the healing process.
Be Sparing with Physical Activity
One of the hardest parts of recovering from a sports injury is having to remain inactive for a period of time so that you can heal properly. Unfortunately, getting plenty of rest and avoiding strenuous physical activities for a while is key to recovering from a sports injury. Trying to work out or do other physical activities too soon could slow the healing process and worsen your existing injury. You may also develop new injuries if you try to get back into being physically active before your body is ready. Depending on the type of injury that you have and its extent, you may be able to do some simple exercises that are approved by a doctor to help you stay fit until your injury heals.
Dealing with a sports injury the right way can help you overcome your misfortune with less difficulty. Following these tips can put you on the road to a faster recovery.
