Plymouth MA Chiropractor Explains Common Summer Injuries

As we approach the month of June, summer is just around the corner. Following the cold temperatures of winter and the unpredictability of spring weather, people spend more time outdoors in the summer. With more physical activity comes the risk of injury in Plymouth MA, and we see quite a few of these injuries during the hotter months of the year. Let's talk about some common summertime injuries:,,

Sprained Ankles in Plymouth MA

Oh, the dreaded sprained ankle. One minute you're running like the wind, and the next minute, you're down with a twisted ankle. Ankle sprains occur when the foot twists or rolls beyond its common range of motion. Symptoms of a sprain can be as mild as tenderness or as severe as swelling, instability, and even discoloration. The most common method to treat a sprained ankle is referred to as "RICE." The "R" stands for rest, and it's best if you avoid walking on your ankle until the pain subsides. You also want to ice your ankle for the first 72 hours following your injury. You also want to wrap your ankle in a compression wrap to further reduce the swelling for the first 24 to 26 hours. Finally, it's important to keep your ankle elevated above your heart level for a couple of hours a day until it starts to feel better.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries commonly occur to swimmers and tennis players, and most injuries result from overuse. These injuries can impact the rotator cuff, which causes both sprain and strain. If you are experiencing mild pain, then you might just need to ice your shoulder and some rest. However, if your symptoms are more severe, then you will need to see a doctor.

Shin Splints

This incredibly painful condition occurs in runners and dancers following overuse of the leg muscles. Overuse causes the muscles to swell up and feel irritated, which is how shin splints form. The best way to treat shin splints is with lots of rest and ice. You could take anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen to relieve the pain as well.

Groin Strain

Groin strains often occur in sports that require constant movement, such as tennis and soccer. When you suddenly change the direction of your movement and stretch your ligaments outside of their normal range of motion, you experience pain inside of your thighs. You can treat groin strain with the RICE method discussed above as well as with some ibuprofen.

Concussion

Contact sports such as football can cause hard hits to the head, which result in concussions. Symptoms include nausea, disorientation, dizziness, and amnesia. If you think you may have experienced a concussion, then visit a doctor as soon as possible.

We sincerely hope that you do not experience any of the above injuries this summer. If you have been in a car accident or you experience chronic pain, contact Koenig Family Chiropractic in Plymouth MA to see how we can help you. We use the latest technology and the newest techniques to speed up your recovery process.