Many people may be jumping back into a workout routine with both feet, joining a friendly game at a barbecue or dusting off the gardening tools and heading outside. When activity starts to pick up, it’s important to pay attention to any painful warning signs from your body.
“We’re starting to see some injuries from people rejoining their pre-pandemic workout routines at full tilt,” said Laurel Beverley, MD, a sports medicine specialist and orthopedic surgeon. “This is why easing back into an exercise plan with lower impact exercises is important.”
Luckily, MetroHealth’s sports medicine team is adding additional doctors and athletic trainers to increase your access to top notch care for common athletic injuries.
Some of the injuries Dr. Beverley and her team routinely see include:
- Patellofemoral knee pain, which is pain arising around your kneecap from repeatedly bending your knees while squatting, jumping or climbing stairs. Physical therapy can relieve symptoms.
- Shoulder tendonitis, a swelling of the tendons in the shoulder. This injury can result from lifting weights overhead or lifting heavy items on the job. Resting and icing the shoulder and taking anti-inflammatory medications can relieve pain. Physical therapy and steroid injections are next steps.
- Biceps strain, a partial tear of the muscle in the front portion of the upper arm. This can occur in people who lift heavy weights or have a job that requires heavy physical labor. Rest, ice and physical therapy are common treatments.
- Knee swelling and instability, which can occur with normal wear and tear of joint cartilage as you age. Rest, ice, compression and elevation (the RICE regimen) can relieve symptoms. Physical therapy and steroid injections can also help.
- Sprained ankle, which occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch and tear. The RICE regimen can help relieve pain. In some cases, immobilizing with a cast or even surgery may be necessary.
Whether you need physical therapy, injection therapy, or the latest minimally invasive surgical treatments, MetroHealth Sports Medicine program has you covered. “Our sports medicine team is really growing and can offer you a personalized treatment plan for whatever injury you have,” said Dr. Beverley. These services are available to children and adults, as well as high school, adult recreational and professional level sports teams.
If you suspect you have one of these or another type of injury, don’t delay care. Call 216-95-SPORT (77678) to make an appointment with a MetroHealth sports medicine specialist.
Learn more about our growing team of sports medicine experts by visiting metrohealth.org/sports-medicine.
Low Impact, High Reward
After more than a year of spending too much time inside because of COVID-19, it’s time to get outdoors. Start with some low-impact activities.
- Hike in the Metroparks, which has trails of all skill levels
- Take a bike ride; adult tricycles are especially comfortable and easy to use
- Play catch at the park with the family
- Do yoga in the backyard
