Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center - (Page 6)

GeT Back in The Game Don’t let an injury keep you from enjoying your favorite summertime activities By Somer overShon T here is something about summertime that brings out the athlete in everyone. Warm temperatures invite all ages, experienced athletes and weekend warriors alike, to get out and play. Although playing individual and team sports is a great way to add exercise and keep moving, sometimes a sprain or an injury can take you out of the game and limit activity. If you are on the injured list and require medical attention, Phelps County Regional Medical Center’s (PCRMC’s) orthopedic surgeon Matthew Ragsdell, DO, offers specialized care in orthopedics and sports medicine. EasE into it 6 Su m m e r 2 013 individual nEEds and ExpEctations Not all injuries are created equal, and treatment for a sports-related injury is specific to an individual’s needs and recovery expectations. During a visit to Dr. Ragsdell’s office, you can expect to have an X-ray taken of your joint, so he can evaluate the bone structure, and a physical photo by thinkstock One way to reduce the risk of a sports-related injury is to practice cross-training—a series of exercises designed to work a different muscle group each session—so that you are in good shape before going out to play. “Be sure to stretch and warm your muscles up before moving into rigorous activity,” Dr. Ragsdell says. “Taking the time to practice and get ready for your sport’s season decreases the chances of injury, because your muscles are well-conditioned and stronger. Never jump right into activity; you want to gradually transition into a new exercise or sport.” Preparation is important to reduce the risk of injury, but sometimes even the most seasoned players experience sprains and pains. Dr. Ragsdell says it is important to know when a sprain or an injury will heal on its own and when to seek medical attention. “Warning signs include pain and swelling in the knee or shoulder; mechanical issues, such as a feeling of popping, clunking or catching in the joint; and the sensation of something being caught in the joint, which can indicate a large meniscus tear or shoulder labrum injury,” he says. “All of these symptoms are very common and should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.”

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center
Contents
Opening Thoughts
A Call to Serve
Get Back in the Game
Saving Brain
The Ultimate Back-to-School Checklist
Join the Movement
Stroke Stories
5 Steps to Better Bone Health
Gut Instinct
Morgan Freeman
Prostate Playbook
The Main Ingredient
Looking Ahead
Virtual Health
Manage Your Diabetes and Feel Better
Extraordinary Nurses
Foundation
Auxiliary

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center