Every New Year, many of us make a promise to get in shape. While starting a new fitness routine is a wonderful way to kick off that resolution, starting too quickly can often lead to injury. In fact, nearly half-a-million injuries were caused in 2016 from exercise and exercise equipment.
What can you do to stay safe while getting fit in the New Year? KVUE-TV spoke to Texas Orthopedics’ Dr. Zach Logan to learn more.
What is An Overuse Injury?
Injuries are common, especially at this time of year, and usually, the cause is an overuse injury, said Dr. Logan to KVUE-TV anchor Ashley Goudeau.
“You haven’t been working out as much and want to get back to your old self and maybe you are pushing yourself too much and too quickly,” he explained.
An overuse injury is any type of muscle, tendon, bone or joint injury such as a stress fracture, tendinitis or bursitis, that is caused by repetitive trauma. We typically think about overuse injuries in relation to sports or fitness such as shin splints caused when engaging in a more rigorous running routine.
Key to Prevention: Consistency
Dr. Logan, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint reconstruction, referenced an old mantra for preventing overuse injuries: Slow and steady wins the race.
“I try to stress consistency – over intensity,” he says. He encourages thinking of fitness as a lifestyle versus spurts of intense exercise.
Importantly, make sure to listen to your body.
“Getting healthy and getting in shape should not be painful. If the soreness is persisting beyond a couple of days or it feels like a tingling, not related to muscle, it is time to address it,” said Dr. Logan.
First try rest and possible ice. If that doesn’t work, it is best to see a specialist to prevent sustained injury.
Click here to see the full interview on KVUE-TV.
Don’t wait to address that nagging pain. Contact the orthopedic specialists at Texas Orthopedics and let us help you recover and return back to activity.
