Major League Soccer Season Kicks Off: We Tell You How to Avoid Soccer Injuries

Get ready soccer fans: the 2013 Major League Soccer season has begun, kicking off on March 2^nd! You’ve got several months of fast-paced action ahead of you, and whether you play soccer on a regular basis, are re-enacting those games played by our own Toronto FC, or just like to kick the ball around with friends on Sunday afternoon, this time of year - and the start of the season - always ramps up the excitement for this sport.

Along with the excitement, the start of soccer season also ushers in a new season of common soccer injuries. No matter what level you participate in, your chances of suffering a soccer injury are worth paying attention to. We’ve got some tips to help you avoid sprains and strains that soccer is known for.

Some of the most common soccer injuries are the sprains and strains that stem from overuse. Overuse injuries happen when there is frequent stress on the muscles, soft tissues and joints. Without enough time to heal, these sprains and strains, which can start off as small aches and pains, can become much worse if untreated.

So how can you avoid these injuries and play a full season, injury-free?

Be physically active. Don’t go back to the field at full tilt after an extended period of time off. Make sure that you gradually work your body back to regular play, so your sprains and strains are kept at bay. Also, make sure that you are stretching both before and after each game.

Make sure that you are wearing the right equipment – the right cleats and breathable gear – and that the conditions are proper. If your shoes are too tight, or too loose, your whole body will suffer. If the rain poured down on the field the day before leaving it a veritable pond, slips and falls can easily lead to soccer injuries.

And what if you’ve taken proper precautionary measures and still find yourself in pain? If you suffer from an ache or pain that doesn’t seem to want to go away, you may want to seek medical attention.  An underlying problem that requires treatment which hasn’t been identified or addressed by a doctor can quickly become serious. Rather than ignoring sprains and strains or brushing them off as annoyances or merely stiff muscles, give them the attention they need to heal properly. And strike the right balance between resting, stretching, exercising and actually playing the sport itself.

Just because you’re not a regular David Beckham out on the pitch, doesn’t mean that you are immune to the most common soccer injuries involving sprains and strains. Make sure that you are prepared before heading out to play. And if you suffer an injury, always seek medical attention immediately to avoid long-term impact.

For more information about preventing soccer injuries, such as sprains as strains or to treat a sports injury, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416 800 0800, or visit www.aesm.ca

Osteoarthritis Sufferers Can Ease Their Winter Aches and Pains Through Osteoarthritis Treatment Programs

If you are an osteoarthritis sufferer, you know that the winter often represents a period of increased pain. Winter aches and pains can keep you from your normal, everyday activities if left untreated. Instead, taking advantage of an osteoarthritis treatment program offered by an experienced sports injury clinic can ease winter aches and pains and get you back in the game and enjoying everyday life. 

So, what is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of joint disorder, usually attributed to aging and wear-and-tear on a joint, although it can also be due to genetics. It happens when the cartilage between your bones and joints wears down, leading to stiffness, swelling, and aches and pains due to the bones rubbing together. 

How can an osteoarthritis treatment program help ease winter aches and pains? It's simple. Since Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, it's important to deal with it. One option to deal with the pain is surgery, but if you would rather avoid this time-consuming and invasive procedure, a regular osteoarthritis treatment program can help you control your symptoms and avoid surgical procedures.  

One of the most common forms of osteoarthritis treatment programs is physiotherapy. Working with the right sports injury clinic and the right sports medicine specialist who will create a customized plan and physiotherapy system to fit your unique situation, will help you regain control of your osteoarthritis. Using a combination of state-of-the-art techniques, including acupuncture, manual therapy, orthopedic assessments and strength and conditioning, the right physiotherapy program can get you back to peak condition. 

Another kind of osteoarthritis treatment program is called viscosupplementation. Viscosupplementation is the process by which hyaluronic acid is injected into your effected joints. What is hyaluronic acid? It's a fluid naturally found in healthy joints.  It acts as a lubricant, allowing bones to move more comfortably as well as assisting in shock absorption. These injections, aside from working to put hyaluronic acid back into your body, are also believed to stimulate the natural production of hyaluronic acid, leading to further joint comfort and range of motion. 

Since osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common type of osteoarthritis, custom knee bracing also represents a crucial osteoarthritis treatment program. Instead of buying a generic brace, having one made to fit your body can help you regain the movement in your knee and help eliminate some of the annoying and painful swelling and stiffness. After all, a one size fits all treatment usually doesn’t treat anyone. The right knee brace works to take some of the stress off of the knee, allowing you to walk - and even run - with much more comfort.

Dealing with osteoarthritis can be painful at any time of the year, but if you know that your osteoarthritis gets worse in the winter, it's time to find the right osteoarthritis treatment program. Instead of waiting until the pain in unmanageable, speaking to a trained sports medicine specialist at a sports injury clinic early on may be an investment.  A range of osteoarthritis treatment program options can help keep you moving throughout the winter months. 

To find out more about the benefits of an osteoarthritis program, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416 800 0800, or visit www.aesm.ca.

Free Leisure Skating in Toronto - Be Prepared for Leisure Skating as Skating Can Result in Sports Injuries

Staying active during the long winter season can seem daunting.  It's not always as fun being greeted by cold, snow and ice while stepping out the front door for a run, or to take a leisurely stroll in the park.  The long warm days of meeting friends to throw a football around or joining a beach volleyball league are long gone when there's a foot of snow on the ground. Although the winter may seem like a time when the gym is offering the only viable option for regular winter fitness, just remember that free leisure skating in Toronto represents an exciting, easy and fun option for outdoor winter activity. 

As one of Canada’s oldest and most popular winter recreational activities, skating is an important part of Canadian culture and tradition as well as winter fitness and exercise. For good reason too: it's fun! Free leisure skating in Toronto is offered at a number of different rinks located all across the city. These rinks give you the freedom to enjoy the rink at no-charge (except for the supervised adult only skating, which is $3 at indoor supervised arenas). 

It's important to keep in mind while leisure skating in Toronto, that sports injuries can easily occur if you are not prepared or not careful on the ice. There are a number of common sports injuries that can occur. Whether you're leisure skating in Toronto or on a rink in a back yard, these injuries can range from minor overuse injuries such as stress fractures, most commonly to the foot or spine, or stress reactions, such as shin splints and medial-tibial stress syndrome to ankle strains or fractures, or even head injuries or concussions.

These sports injuries are not just a result of overuse when skating, but can also come with overall inexperience. Not knowing how tightly to lace your skates can cause limited range of motion or too much range of motion, leading to strains or sprains. If skate blades are too sharp and the skater is not confident or is inexperienced, the slips and falls that occur can be costly. It is important to know these things before just gliding out onto the ice. 

So when leisure skating in Toronto how can you avoid these sports injuries? It's actually quite easy. Talking to an experienced and professional sports medicine specialist will give you the tips and advice you need to help you avoid those unwanted pains and strains - tips like how to find and fit the right boots and which stretches to adopt before stepping onto the ice. 

What if, while leisure skating in Toronto, you find yourself suffering from a sports injury as a result? Again, you don't have to suffer in silence. Firstly, make sure you do not skate if you are in pain, as this could irritate the sports injury or make the injury worse. Secondly, speak with a sports medicine specialist, trained in treating sports injuries to find out what path to take for treatment and recovery. 

Leisure skating in Toronto represents an important source of wintertime fitness. However, being prepared is just as important. To learn more about the benefits of leisure skating as well as how to avoid sports related injuries, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416 800 0800, or visit www.aesm.ca.

The Top 5 Ways to Avoid Winter Running Injuries

Winter may not always seem like the ideal setting for running, but if you're a runner you know that, no matter the season, nothing can stop you - unless of course you are suffering from a running injury.  We have devised a list of the top 5 ways to avoid winter running injuries to make sure you're always running-ready and pumped to keep up the pace.

Avoid Running Injuries Tip #1: Avoid inconsistency. Consistent training is essential. Just because it's cold or snowing, doesn’t mean you should take the week off from training. Get to a local indoor track if the weather is bad, as taking too long a break from training can cause you to stiffen up your joints and muscles and leave you prone to injury when you return. Inconsistency also means inconsistent training schedules.  Maintain a routine that keeps you doing the same training on a regular basis. 

Avoid Running Injuries Tip #2: Stretch, stretch, stretch.  Unless you're a firefighter sliding down the pole in response to an emergency, there's no excuse for just jumping out of bed and tying on your shoes to bolt out the door. Make sure that you prepare your body for the exercise ahead by giving yourself time to stretch.  If your body has been relaxing or resting, you want to make sure that it has been given a chance to prime itself, especially when facing a harsher, colder winter climate.

Avoid Running Injuries Tip #3: Have the right equipment. A proper pair of running shoes and that all-important water bottle are key components of any runner’s arsenal. Going without can cause major pains – literally! Running shoes need to fit well, and not be all worn out. Running shoes, no matter how well-made, have a finite lifespan, and when they expire they can't provide the support necessary to avoid running injuries. Hydration is also crucial, so make sure that you are rehydrating your body as you go.

Avoid Running Injuries Tip #4: Cool Down. Once you have returned from your run, whether it was a 1-K jaunt or a 20-K half-marathon, make sure to cool down. Don’t just go about regular activities or flop on a couch.  Your body needs time to properly recover from your workout, so offer it essential TLC which can often include massage therapy, or pouring cold water on your legs after a long run. Soaking in a whirlpool a few hours after the workout can also be a good muscle recovery technique. Just like stretching, recovery is an essential part of any running routine, and an important strategy for avoiding running injuries.

Avoid Running Injuries Tip #5: Always listen to your body, as it knows when it's been pushed too hard or if something isn’t right. If you feel pain or discomfort, either during or after a run, the best way to avoid any further injury is to stop - immediately.  And if you find yourself remaining stiff and aching after stopping, it's best not to ignore these symptoms as they can often be a sign of bigger problems.  Visit a sports injury or running injury clinic to find out what you can do to get yourself back out on the track.

For more information on how to avoid running injuries during the winter, or how to treat them if they do occur, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416 800 0800, or visit www.aesm.ca