As a Chennai knee specialist that patients rely on for information on training for sport, Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy warns against sudden increases in intensity or duration of training.
Sports injuries can be a major setback for any athlete or fitness enthusiast. A sports-loving city like Chennai requires the best knee surgeon in Chennai to usually take care of these kinds of sports injuries. One of the leading knee specialists in Chennai, gives some tips to prevent sports injuries.
Understanding sports injuries
Since knee sports injuries are common, let’s understand what sports injuries are. According to a knee injury expert in Chennai, most sports injuries can be classified into two common categories:
Acute: These happen because of an unexpected incident during the physical exercise process.
Chronic: These are developed over a certain time period by putting too much strain on muscles, joints or bones.
The mild knee sports injuries do not include damaged or torn ACLs because ACL is one of the significant ligaments to stabilize and support other parts of the knee, including the tibia. The mild knee sports injuries include knee ligament sprains and tendinitis.
Detailed expert advice on injury prevention
As per Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy, the top knee surgeon in Chennai, it is beyond doubt that prevention is always better than cure where sports injuries are concerned. The most important and effective prevention strategies to keep your knees and whole body safe while engaging in sports include:
1. Effective warm-up and cool-down
“Never underestimate the power of a good warm-up,” says Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy. A good warm-up increases blood flow to the muscles, enhancing flexibility while preparing your body for physical activity. A cool-down, on the other hand, will help the body return to its resting state and avert stiffness that might occur after workouts.
2. Gradual training progression
As a Chennai knee specialist that patients rely on for information on training for sport, Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy warns against sudden increases in intensity or duration of training. “Gradually increase your training loads to allow your body to adapt,” he says. This is what is referred to as progressive overload and will consequently help build strength and endurance.
3. Employ good technique
Regardless of your sport, using correct form and technique is crucial for injury prevention. “Many knee injuries occur due to improper movement patterns,” explains Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy. He suggests working with a qualified coach or trainer to ensure you’re using the right techniques for your sport.
4. Wear appropriate gear
The best knee surgeon in Chennai says that along with protective gear, sport-specific, well-fitting shoes are of prime importance. “Footwear that is proper in all respects will provide necessary support and can significantly reduce risk levels for knee injuries,” he emphasizes.
5. Cross-training and rest
Engage in a mix of activity types to avoid overuse injuries. Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy adds on to that by saying that your walks or runs must include strengthening exercises, flexibility activities, and activities that are easy on the body. Resting is an important aspect of avoiding an overuse injury. “Your body needs time to repair and strengthen between workouts,” he says.
6. Hydrate and eat right
Good hydration and nutrition are the essence of protection from sports injuries. “Dehydration can lead to fatigue, which increases injury risk,” says the knee specialist Chennai athletes depend on. He also throws in eating foods rich in proteins, complex carbohydrates, and also packed with necessary nutrients to cultivate muscle and joint health.
7. Listen to your body
One of the most crucial advices shared by the best knee surgeon in Chennai is to listen to the body. He says pain is an indicator. Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy says, “If you have persistent pain, stop doing the activity and take medical advice.”
8. Keep a healthy weight
In overweight, body weight increases the burden on knees. Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy proposes that maintaining healthy body weight can be done by combining good nutrition and exercise as a means of reducing the risk of knee injuries.
9. Improve flexibility and strength
Flexibility and muscle strength are said to be important in injury prevention. “Pay emphasis on the exercises that enhance your core, leg strength, and body flexibility,” says the best knee specialist in Chennai. This includes yoga, Pilates, weightlifting, and focused stretching.
10. Land safely
For sports that involve jumping movements —basketball and volleyball—safe-landing skills are a must. “Land with your knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder-width apart,” advises Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy. “This helps distribute the impact and reduces stress on your knees.”
How to prevent knee injuries while playing sports
Different sport activities hold different risks of injury to your knee. Here are some sport-specific tips from the best knee surgeon in Chennai:
For running:
- Alternate between increasing mileages and intensity
- Change your running surfaces
- Alternate shoes
Football:
- Correct technique on how to tackle.
- Correct and essential protective gear.
- Strengthen leg muscles after hamstrings
Basketball:
- Correct training on how to pivot and cut
- Strengthen stabilizer muscles of ankle and knee
- Wear proper ankle supportive shoes.
Tennis:
- Correct training of footwork
- Strengthen rotator cuff muscles
- Good core strength
When to seek medical condition
Such prevention strategies can reduce your risks of sports injuries; otherwise, you would still need to seek professional help if you are experiencing persistent pain or swelling, joint instability, reduced range of motion, joint sounds of clicking or popping, and inability to bear weight on the affected limb or lower limb.
Early intervention can prevent trivial issues from progressing to severe injuries.
Sports injuries, especially to the knee, can indeed be crippling. However, if you take the right shares of preventing them, you are certainly in a position to minimize risks and continue with your sports activities for a long time. In general, after considering the advice of the best knee surgeon Chennai could have, you are already doing yourself a great favor toward health and the world of sports.
Remember, everybody is unique, so what works for one does not work for another. It is always wiser to consult knee specialists in Chennai or a sports medicine professional for a tailor-made injury prevention strategy.
Stay safe, train smart, and enjoy your sports journey!