The month of October makes most people think of pumpkin spice lattes, vibrant leaves, and Halloween costumes. But here at Premier Orthopaedics, we have something else we keep an eye out for, too, because it's also the time of year known as National Spine Health...
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Causes & Treatment Options for Sciatica
Pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the back of the leg is what is commonly referred to as sciatica. The pain follows the path of the sciatic nerve down the leg which means that typically, only one side of the body is affected. The sensation that...
Preventing Fractures in Philadelphia This Summer
Summer is a season for broken bones, and with all of the exciting events going on in the Philadelphia area, you’ll definitely be enjoying the many outdoor activities available. So whether you’re heading out to a Phillies game, checking out the Philadelphia Zoo, or walking around the city to visit historical landmarks or museums, you’ll need to take care not to fall and hurt yourself. Here are some tips to get through this blazing summer fracture-free as well as what to do if you do find yourself taking a tumble and suffering a painful injury.
1. Stay hydrated.
You’ll be sweating in the scorching heat and your body will become depleted of water and nutrition. It’s easy to forget to drink a lot of water while you’re busy sightseeing, playing sports, and attending events, but it’s one way to keep your body healthy and avoid injury. As you become dehydrated, you also become sluggish. This could cause you to trip and fall and break a bone. For every 45 minutes to an hour that you’re walking or running, replenish with water and a sports drink. It’s best to water down your sports drink to help to decrease the amount of sugar you consume from it.
2. Use the proper equipment.
Even if it’s just a pickup game of soccer in the park, you’ll still need to wear your shin guards to protect yourself from injury. The same goes with all of the other sports that require equipment: Wear your helmet to play baseball and pads to play football, for example. You’ll also need to wear cleats or turf shoes. They’ll keep your from slipping, which could result in a fracture.
3. Be aware of your surroundings.
Whether you’re exploring someplace you’ve never been before or you’ve been there a hundred times, it’s important that you always watch where you’re going and be mindful of other people. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the activity, but this kind of carelessness could cause you to fall, trip, or collide with someone else.
4. Take your time.
As you’re visiting museums or checking out a game, try not to rush. After all, the summertime is for relaxing, so take your time. Rushing will only increase your chances of falling and injuring yourself. While this doesn’t necessarily apply to fast-paced sports, it’s important that you don’t push yourself too hard in the heat.
5. Prepare your muscles.
Before engaging in any sort of physical activity, you should stretch your muscles so they’re limber and ready to go. If your muscles are tight, it can lead to a torn muscle or a bone fracture. Spend about 15 to 20 minutes doing some intense stretching, and you’ll be good to go for the next few hours. So before you head out into the great city of Philadelphia this summer, take these tips into consideration. Click here to contact Premier Orthopaedics for more information about fracture prevention or treatment.
For more information about fracture care, click here to download our free eBook, Understanding Fracture Care: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.