Track and Field Injuries

At Park Physical Therapy in Massapequa, we understand spring-time sports are in full swing. Many athletes will be spending long hours in practices, and it is important to remember the potential injuries that come with extensive training. Track and field sports require repetition of powerful explosive movements to refine athletic techniques. As athletes push to perfect these skills, they need to be aware of their vulnerability to injury. Here are some common causes for track and field injuries:

Often injuries can be attributed to the surface being trained on, the load of the training, inadequate footwear, and musculoskeletal deformities.

Surface Quality:

Athletes should always search from a smooth even surface for running. Continuous exposure to uneven running surfaces will prompt excessive force on the leg resulting in injuries to the knee, ankle, or Achilles tendon.

Excessive Training:

When developing muscle and conditioning, it is important to allow your body time to recover and recuperate. Not allotting for this time can result in stress fractures, shin splints, bursitis, and tendonitis.

Musculoskeletal Deformities:

Participation in athletics can bring to light certain musculoskeletal deformities or abnormalities. For examples, knee problems might not be apparent in daily activity but will certainly manifest during sports activities.

Footwear:

Without proper shoes, blisters can occur and you can be more prone to shin splints. It is important for runners and track event participants to select a shoe with a flexible sole and good support for the foot. It is also important to select a shoe with a good cushion, to help absorb some of the shocks from the repetitive shock of running. Contact Park Physical Therapy in Massapequa today start your recovery.