Summer sports include activities such as running, soccer, basketball, skating , volley ball and bicycling. Often times individuals use the summer as a time to get back in shape after being sedentary over the winter months. When participating in “running sports” certain precautions should be observed. We will be discussing below some suggestions that may aid in the resurgence of a more active lifestyle.

1. Always warm up before running. Warming up in the form of stretching and light jogging will increase circulation and help prepare musculature for greater demands. Warning up could prevent musculature injuries and will enhance athletic performance.

2. Wear appropriate shoes. Athletic shoes are designed differently for certain sports. A soccer shoe for example should not be worn for long distance running. Wearing proper shoes for a sport will minimize ankle sprains, shin splints, plantar fascists, tendonitis, and even the possibility of stress fractures.

3. Pace yourself. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. You may be able to take sizable steps in re-conditioning yourself, but make sure that you “listen” to your body and don’t initially push too hard or too fast.

4. Make sure you do an appropriate cool down, wear sweats to
prevent chilling of the muscles, and stretch to prevent musculature contractions and prepare for the musculature for additional demands the following day(s).

5. Take all injuries serious. Often times when the body is “warmed up” an individual will not be aware of the seriousness of an injury. When in doubt, it is better to error in the side of being cautious, take first aid precautions and / or be evaluated by a specialist who deals with sports injuries. It is not uncommon for patients to present to our office with chronic tendonitis and muscular injuries that were caused in athletic participation but not treated properly. Untimely treatment of injured muscles and joints, will often result in chronic conditions, which takes much longer to rehabilitate. On the contrary, patients who present with fresh injuries, often respond at record rate and minimize the possibility of re-injury and future problems.