Staying Healthy this Athletic Season
Sports season is fast approaching.
Before you grab those cleats, it’s important to remember sports often lead to injuries.
“There’s two types of athletes those who have been injured and those who will be injured,” says Essentia Health Sports Medicine Physician, Doug Forgit.
Sports are a great way to stay active, make friends, and also land you in the doctor’s office.
“It’s not uncommon for people to hide their symptoms because they know if they do they’ll be out of the game,” says Forgit.
Dr. Forgit is talking about concussions, the leading injury he sees out on the sports field.
An injury that also requires care fast.
“Post-concussion syndrome people can have long term symptoms potentially months or years of persistent headache, blurred vision, memory loss,” says Forgit.
But concussions aren’t the only injury Forgit deals with, from knee injuries to ankle sprains he sees it all.
“Football has the most injury of any sport in our country,” says Forgit.
Forgit says hockey is a close second but soccer also comes in as a high impact sport, especially for female athletes.
Exactly why sports physicals are so important.
“Screen for any increased risk that will put you at risk for injury or illness,” says Forgit.
Forgit says when an athlete does come in for an injury, he’ll often use simple exercises to fix the problem.
“How your gait is your muscle strength in your legs, hip or core,” says Forgit.
As for the sport with the most severe injuries?
“Cheerleading has one of the highest rates of catastrophic injuries,” says Forgit.
Essentia Health will be conducting sports physicals with no appointment necessary on Monday, August 1, and Thursday, August 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Essentia Health 52nd Avenue Clinic in South Fargo.
If you’re unable to make those times, you’re encouraged to make an appointment with your primary care provider.
