Safety First for Springtime Sports and Projects: West Suburban Orthopedic Expert Offers Pain-free Guidance

Now that we know our long, extended winter is in the history books, we hope, many have been taking advantage of warmer temperatures to finally get out and play or start long-awaited home improvement projects. You may know about proper warm-up techniques to avoid sports injuries, but few think about safety tips before pulling the starter cord on a lawn mower, moving furniture to different locations and even climbing a ladder.

“We’ve seen plenty of patients come in for treatment to injuries that happened while playing their favorite sports, mishandling power tools and a number of other issues related to seasonal activities,” said Dr. Taruna Madhav Crawford, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Chicago Hand & Orthopedic Surgery Centers, S.C. in Oakbrook Terrace and volunteer instructor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. “Even something as simple as pitching a softball or swinging a golf club can suddenly become painful if steps for safety aren’t taken first.

The numbers of annual injuries stemming from sports and working around the house strongly suggest that they’re not simply freak occurrences that happen to a few. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS.org) there are more than 680,000 baseball and softball-related injuries reported each year. Another 114,000 seek treatment for injuries while playing golf.

On the home front, slightly more than 300,000 needed care from injuries suffered while operating a lawn mower. And for those who thought they knew what they were doing when moving sofas and other heavy furniture - around 570,000 needed to see medical professionals.

To prevent injuries while playing your favorite sports or working around your home, Dr. Madhav-Crawford and the AAOS recommend the following safety tips:

Baseball & softball injury prevention:

·   Always take time to warm up and stretch. Examples include easy calisthenics, such as jumping jacks and walking or light running, such as running the bases.

·   Gentle stretching, in particular your back, hamstrings, and shoulders, can be helpful. Your team coach or athletic trainer may provide a stretching program.

·    Players should wear molded shoes that fit properly and have appropriate cleats.

·    Gender-specific equipment may be of value, including athletic supports for boys/men and padded bras for girls/women.

More baseball & softball injury prevention tips are available here.

Golf:

·   Before playing a round of golf, do some simple stretching exercises focusing on your shoulders, back, and legs. It’s also a good idea to practice your swing by hitting a few golf balls on the driving range.

·   Make sure you are well hydrated before, during, and after your game. Replace your fluids, whether you feel thirsty or not.

·   Don’t forget about being safe while riding in a golf cart. Remember to keep your feet inside the cart; players have broken ankles when their feet became caught under moving golf carts.

·   Always be aware of your environment and other players on the course. It is possible to sustain a soft-tissue injury by being hit by a golf ball.

More golf injury prevention tips are available here.

Home improvement & landscaping

Always remember to Use proper technique when lifting and carrying to avoid back injuries, including:

·   Separating your feet shoulder-width apart,

·   Bending at the knees,

·   Tightening your stomach muscles and lifting with your leg muscles when standing up.

·   Also, if an object is too heavy or is an awkward shape, do not try to lift it by yourself.

·   When using a lawn mower, be sure the motor is off before inspecting it or making adjustments.

·   Use a stick or broom handle (not your hands or feet) to remove debris from the blade;

·   Wear protective gloves, goggles, closed-toe, sturdy shoes and long pants when using a lawn mower. Never mow barefoot or while wearing sandals or flip flops;

·   Do not leave a lawn mower unattended when it is running. If you must walk away from the machine, shut off the engine; and

·   Also make sure that children are not playing in the area being mowed. 

And... 

·   Always place ladders on a firm, level surface. Never place a ladder on ground or flooring that is uneven, soft, wet or otherwise unstable;

·   Make sure your shoelaces are securely tied and your pant legs do not extend underneath your shoes;

·   Never lean too far to one side or reach too far overhead - increasing the chances of losing your balance. As a point of reference, your belly button should never go beyond the sides of the ladder.

“Think of tips like these as your pre-flight checklist,” added Dr. Madhav Crawford. “So if the most experienced pilots always take time to run through a safety checklist before every takeoff, there’s no reason you shouldn’t do the same when properly preparing for sports and outdoor activities.”

To learn more about services available and extended hours at Chicago Hand & Orthopedic Surgery Centers, S.C. in Oakbrook Terrace or to contact Dr. Madhav Crawford, please call 1-630-317-7007.