We've all heard that being active is vital to our overall health. However, we should pay close attention to what our bodies tell us during any strenuous exercise. Regardless of the physical activity, you are exposing your body to the risk of injury.

Millions of sports-related injuries require pricey trips to an emergency room or to a sports medicine doctor each year. Just how expensive, one may ask? Studies show that in the United States alone, sports-related emergency room visits surpassed $935 million each year.

When to Seek Medical Attention at the E.R.

Some minor injuries can be treated on-site or at home. However, there may arrive a crucial decision about when to visit the emergency room. Diagnosing types of injuries like sprains, strains, sore or swollen muscles, fractures, dislocations, and rotary cuff should be done by a healthcare professional. Trauma to the head, neck, and back should be examined as soon as possible. Symptoms like experiencing paralysis, any tingling, or extreme pain? These are also signs that you should immediately seek help. In more severe circumstances, post-trauma treatments may entail surgery and physical therapy.

Common injuries and prevention

Techniques like stretching, warming-up, wearing the appropriate protective gear, staying hydrated, and cooling down exercises may help prevent juries. Some of the more common injuries include:

• Ankle sprain
• Groin pull
• Hamstring pull or strain
• Knee injury
• Tennis elbow

Too much weight lifted during workouts can cause serious injuries, so it may be best to consult a physician and a trainer before starting a weight lifting regimen. Inflammation of tendons can happen when you overwork areas of the body prone to this type of damage, such as soft tissue and joints. Repetitive motion can cause fractures and strains in the elbow, knee, neck, and wrist. Also, playing full-contact sports without proper safety equipment can lead to severe injuries.

Practice P.R.I.C.E. Shortly after an injury

This method should be used just after the injury happens. P.R.I.C.E. stands for :

• Protection by limiting weight to the affected area or by placing a sling, splint, or crutches.
• Rest or avoiding physical activities that may further aggravate the injury.
• Ice wrapped in a towel can help reduce swelling.
• Compression by using an elastic bandage wrapping the injured area can minimize swelling.
• Elevation of extremities can help ease the pain while reducing the pooling of fluid to the area.

You can Heal and sooth with some of the over the counter remedies. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) may help diminish discomfort and inflammation. However, do not consider this a long term solution. If pain and swelling persist past ten days, discontinue use and seek medical advice.

IcyHot comes in a variety of products that can heal and soothe sore joints and muscles. Be sure to prep the area of contact by thoroughly cleaning and drying the skin. Application of a thin amount should be gently massaged into the troubled area up to but not exceeding four times daily. Allow three hours between each use.

Heal -n-Soothe is a dietary supplement meant to be taken daily to reduce inflammation. Ingredients found in this supplement can be found at your local grocery store, which includes ginger, yucca, and Tumeric, along with nine other anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Consult a doctor before starting any new strenuous exercise. Drink plenty of water, possibly even post-workout drink mixes. Get plenty of rest to allow your body to regroup after a hard day of fun. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and perhaps even consider taking sports nutrition supplements. When all home remedies fail, and you can't rid yourself of that nagging injury, you'll know it's time to see the doctor.

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