Stay Safe This Summer With Advice from Orthopedic Health of Kansas City
Spring has sprung, and everyone is anxious to get out and enjoy the sunshine, whether going for a walk, golfing, playing tennis, playing Pickleball, or engaging in any other sporting endeavor. Just stepping outside can bring sweet relief to the monotony of the day, and exercise is excellent for your overall health. However, spring is also when orthopedicists see a rise in injuries occurring outdoors from these activities.
Here are some tips to avoid injury:
- WEAR A HELMET. We can’t stress the importance of wearing a helmet when on a bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle.
- Wear supportive shoes when on a walk or a run. Shoes with the correct support can help you avoid pain, enhance circulation, and help compensate for decreased mobility of the feet, ankles, or knees.
- Use the buddy system or bring a phone. Should an injury occur, have a backup plan or way to contact help.
- If you are just beginning your fitness journey, start slowly. If you have not been recently active, do not expect to jump back to the activity level you once had without a build-up time.
- Stretch before and after. Sprains, strains, and other injuries can be avoided by allowing your body time to stretch before and after exercising.
If you experience an unexpected injury while outdoors, please visit one of our physicians or urgent care clinics, which are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (and North Kansas City and Lenexa on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.).
