MK Orthopaedics

Tips to Help Athletes Avoid Ankle and Wrist Injuries

Injuries of the ankles and wrists are very common among athletes, especially in runners and tennis players. All athletes, however, know the frustration of orthopaedic injury and the inconvenience it can cause. Every time you work out, remember some of these tips for preventing injuries in your ankles and wrists.

• Warm up: Doing a few light stretches before beginning your workout can really help you improve flexibility and avoid joint damage during a workout. Doing a light, easy jog can also be a great way to ready your muscles, ligaments, and tendons for rigorous exercise.
• Stay strong: Joint damage can occur when the muscles are strained beyond their capacity, causing the impact and stress to be deferred to the joints. Protect your ankles and wrists by progressively training your muscles and avoid pushing yourself beyond your limits.
• Be careful: Taking regular breaks will help to relieve the stress on your muscles and joints caused by regular physical activity. Knowing when to stop and taking a break can help you to avoid many painful overuse injuries, including tendonitis and bursitis. Stretching during your breaks can also help to improve circulation and prevent injury.
• Wear protective gear: For athletes who have problems with re-injury, protective braces can be extremely helpful in keeping the ankle or wrist stable during workouts. Many types of ankle and wrist braces exist; consult your orthopaedic doctor to learn more about which type of stabilizer is right for your injury. 

If you are looking for more information regarding the prevention and treatment of joint injury, contact the orthopaedic surgeons in Joliet at MK Orthopaedics by calling (815) 741-6900. Our physicians are dedicated to providing patients of the Joliet community with the highest standard of care in diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

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