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How to Prevent Injuries from Outdoor Activity

April 15, 2021

Ahh, the sun’s out, the air is warm… Time to get to work. Where to begin — picking up the loose branches knocked down by the harsh winter or starting to run again?

Or — OR — all that busywork can wait. After all, when was the last time you played catch with the kids?

No matter what you decide, it’s important to consider the likelihood of injuring yourself. While it may seem like a bit of a damper on your fun — or work — both sports and physical work can result in similar injuries and ailments.

So, to minimize your risk of injury, make sure you understand what steps to take before heading out.

Common injuries

Sports, chores and really any physical activity can result in some common injuries that can range from minor annoyances to major surgery.

How to prevent injuries

Before engaging in any strenuous activity such as chores or sports, prepare your muscles through stretching. This allows your muscles to warm up and get loose, minimizing the chances of them becoming overstressed. Though you may not think to stretch before cleaning your garage or mowing your lawn, a surprising number of injuries can be prevented by stretching.

Secondly, always use the proper equipment needed to complete a task or play a sport. Don’t improvise — if you don’t have the right equipment yet, just wait until you do. You should also perform the task using the proper techniques. Don’t take shortcuts or put too much stress on your body. Also, never be afraid to ask for any assistance from a friend, family member or neighbor.

Finally, don’t overdo it. If something hurts, stop. The saying “no pain, no gain” is a misconception. Pain is your body telling you something is wrong — listen to it. Trying to work or play through pain is a nearly guaranteed way to cause more harm to your body. Stop and take a breather if you start to feel exhausted.

Need to make an appointment?

Dr. Drake White specializes in orthopedic medicine and sees patients from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rushville Outpatient Specialty Clinic, 238 S. Congress St. To schedule an appointment with him, call (217) 357-8500. If you have other medical concerns and need to see a provider, our team is here to help. Contact us and schedule a general appointment today.