Don’t let a spring sports injury cramp your style

Spring is here and the temperatures are getting warmer, so you’ll probably be adding some outdoor exercise, recreation or sports to your daily routine. When you do, be sure to take steps to avoid injury. And if you do get hurt, seek help right away from a knowledgeable clinician. The Sports Medicine program at UHS is on your team if an injury occurs, and can provide you or your child with exceptional treatment and care, right here in the Southern Tier.

Check out these tips from medical experts on getting and staying active as safely as possible:

Start your exercise routine slowly. The most important aspect of preventing injuries is gradual progression. When starting out, be kind to yourself and take it slow. Warm up your lower extremities. Ankle & knee sprains, muscle strains, tendinitis, and fractures are among the most common injuries to the lower extremities.

Beware of twisting, pivoting or high-impact planting motions--all movements that can strain the feet and ankles. Calf tightness can lead to injury. To counteract that, try heel drops: exercises where you stand on the edge of a step on your tiptoes and lower your heels down until your feet are flat.

Listen to your body. If something hurts, switch up your workout and give those muscles a rest. Don’t try to push through pain.

After an injury, and whether you’re a professional, student or amateur athlete, it can even be “Game on!” once again if you seek the right kind of specialized medical attention. The benefit comes from consulting one of UHS’ specially trained sports medicine specialists. The powerful team assembled by UHS includes physicians, surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists and support staff--all working together to create a cohesive plan for getting the athletic individual back in action.

While highly trained athletes obviously need sports-focused medical care, the “weekend warrior” also can benefit from a sports-trained physician’s expertise. What’s more, if you’re simply active at work or in everyday life, or if you stand, lift heavy objects or perform repetitive functions as part of your job, you can be at risk for injuries which sports doctors can address.

The UHS Sports Medicine team strives to serve you, and get you back to your activity, just as they do the most elite athletes. In the Sports Med department, you can rely on the expertise of the region’s leading providers who focus on sports- and activity-related injuries and conditions. The department is located within the UHS Orthopedic Center at 4433 Vestal Parkway East; call 607-771-2220.

What’s more, a hotline is available. This dedicated line--reachable at 607-75SPORT--is managed by certified athletic trainers, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Callers connect with an experienced athletic trainer from UHS Sports Medicine who can assist in scheduling an appointment with the appropriate UHS sports medicine provider. If calling outside of these hours, expect a return phone call the next day. Learn more by clicking here.  Remember, in the event of any critical emergency, don’t wait—call 911.

To learn more about UHS Sports Medicine, click here.