Common Injuries In America And How You Can Prevent Them

Daily exercise is essential for healthy muscle and bone growth. Whether you take a morning jog before heading to work or attend yoga after class, exercise is the key to keeping your blood pressure even and your immune system going strong. Popular sports like soccer and swimming take exercise and turn it into an art form! Unfortunately, even something as essential as exercise runs the risk of injury. Everything from sprained ankles to slipped disks to broken bones are commonplace and urgent cares and their doctors work around the clock to accommodate the demand.

Common Injuries In America

Sports-related injuries account for at least $30 billion in health care costs every year in America, with an estimated 12 million people between the ages of 5 and 22 suffering an injury annually. This can interfere with everything from work to school, as well as incur debt that can affect day-to-day life. It’s estimated that 25,000 Americans get an ankle sprain each day, which can take anywhere from four to six weeks to heal entirely. Chronic lower back pain is also one of the most common injuries in America, with well over half of all Americans suffering from soreness, stiffness and loss of mobility. While clinics do everything they can to help people in need, there’s a lot you can do to keep yourself fighting fit.

Preventative Measures

While injuries can’t be predicted with 100% accuracy, there are measures you can take to reduce the chances of an accident happening, as well as put yourself in a better position to heal should one occur. A healthy diet supplemented with vitamins can bolster your immune system, as well as your bone health, to better withstand everything from physical activity to changes in the seasons. Proper equipment factors into reduced injury as well, with properly cushioned running shoes greatly reducing the chance of ankle sprain or shin splints. Breathable clothing can reduce the chances of irritable skin conditions like athlete’s foot and any headaches or breathing issues when outside should be checked for asthma or allergies. And, of course, always wash your hands! While urgent cares are focused on treating problems quickly and efficiently, there’s much you can do to prevent everyday injuries.