16 Nov Help, I’m injured! What next?

Your workouts are going nicely, you’re noticing results and getting compliments on an improving physique.
Then, all of a sudden, it happens. A pull, twist, turn, strain or sprain. Oh no, you’re injured!
Sports and fitness related injuries can happen to anyone, no matter what your fitness level.
For severe injuries, it’s usually pretty obvious if immediate medical attention is required. Most injuries leave people hobbling, but able to go about their daily business for the most part.
For people who are dedicated to fitness, the big question is what to do after getting hurt?
Just because you’ve got a hitch in your get-up, doesn’t mean your fitness program has to be put in park.
Whether or not you opt to see a doctor, or rest/treat an injury on your own, like a sprained ankle, you can and should keep trying to work out. Just tweak your routine.
If it is an ankle sprain, then there’s no reason you can’t do upper body lifts or sit-ups. Instead of running, maybe your ankle will be able to tolerate swimming or a stationary bike.
If you’ve strained a shoulder muscle, it shouldn’t prevent you from working out your legs.
Just because you are hurt, doesn’t mean you should stop working out.
As for the injured body part, research on your own, use common sense and/or consult with a sports medicine outfit or doctor.
While you’re working out other body parts, you may also slowly start to rehab your injured area.
If you’re injured too badly to do much of anything, then there’s still something you can do to prevent adding on weight quickly: really, really watch your diet!
While we’re discussing injuries, here’s a little trivia on the subject.
Studies show the most common areas for pulls or strains are the hamstring and quadriceps, followed by calf muscles.
For overweight people, ankles and kneecaps are highly vulnerable.
Great ways to prevent injuries are to stretch and stay hydrated by drinking water.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com