With summer in full swing, football conditioning has begun to prep the players for the upcoming season. Before getting back on the field, it is important to take precautions against injury so you can stay on top of your game.
Beat the heat with these helpful tips for avoiding an injury during this summer’s football conditioning:
- Stay Hydrated: Combining the summer heat with strenuous training regimens is a recipe for dehydration, hindering your athletic performance and leaving your joints prone to injury. Always be sure to drink plenty of fluids before stepping foot on the field and throughout your practice.
- Don’t Skip Warm-ups: Acclimating your body to the heat before heading straight into intense drills is essential. Always warm up for at least 5 minutes to bring more blood flow to your muscles and joints, prepping them for the practice ahead.
- Schedule Your Pre-Season Physical: It is important to get a doctor’s opinion before starting the football season. A proper physical will allow your physician to identify any weak areas that may be prone to injury and give advice on how to improve your athletic performance.
- Stretch Before and After Workouts: After a long and difficult football workout, your muscles can feel like they have been ripped to shreds. To avoid an injury that involves a tear, make su/re to stretch your muscles before and after every practice. This will allow your muscles more flexibility, leaving them less likely to strain from overuse or a sudden hit.
- Stay Alert: Not only should you focus on the ball during football scrimmages, but you should also focus on your body. Your body will often show signs when you are close to an injury. So always stay alert for any pain you may feel while running drills and stop that activity immediately to avoid injury.
By following these tips, the odds of an injury this football season are significantly lowered. For any of your sports medicine questions, concerns, or issues, reach out to the doctors at Hinsdale Orthopedics at Munster. We are dedicated to providing the best orthopedic care to all of our athletes!
AUTHOR: Dr. Jeffrey S. Staron is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who is fellowship trained in sports medicine. Dr. Staron provides comprehensive care for the musculoskeletal system treating acute injuries and chronic joint pain in Munster, Indiana.