While the popular saying “no pain no gain” is true, too much pain will also keep you chained to a bed. The saying may not be a great advice, especially when working out at the gym. Whether you are dropping a heavy dumbbell, tearing a muscle, or dislocating a joint, it may take a while before you can train hard again. So let’s take a look at some common but dangerous workout injuries and how you can prevent them. When things don’t get better, make sure you contact a Riverside sports injury attorney to handle your legal situation.
Pectoral injury
You can be badly injured when your muscles are overstretched. Pectoral injuries can affect the pectoral muscles located on each side of the chest. While these injuries are not very common they generally occur when lifting or pressing too much weight. If you are lifting more weight than what you are accustomed to handling, you should try using a spotter.
Tendon ruptures of the biceps
The bicep tendon connects the bicep muscles in the arms with a bone of the forearm. If you lift too much weight or drop the dumbbell, you may cause the tear. The bicep muscles will look larger and the color of your arm will turn black or blue. In order to prevent these injuries, you should only lift weights you are equipped to handle while always using a spotter.
Shoulder labral tear
These tears are not very noticeable. They are injuries in the shoulder, which can cause much pain, and make the shoulder joint unstable. In some cases, they will also dislocate the shoulder. These injuries are generally caused by heavy lifting. Sportspeople such as gymnasts who are required to raise their hands over the head may also experience these injuries. Other activities such as swinging a racquet can also produce a labral tear.
Sternal fractures
This is when the breastbone is broken by chest trauma. It generally occurs when trying to perform a bench press. Golfers, weightlifters, and other non-contact sports players are more at risk of sternal fractures. Patients on steroid therapy and patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia tend to experience these fractures more due to reduced bone density.
Sprained ankle
They generally occur when you are rolling or twisting the wrong way and you turn or twist your ankle. For example, if you jump off the treadmill too quickly, chances are your ankle will roll in an awkward way. The best way to prevent this is to attach the treadmill’s clip to your clothes that way the treadmill stops if an accident occurs.
Hernia
Hernias occur when your body is under too much pressure. Although they are generally harmless, you will have to adapt your workout routine in order to avoid aggravating that area. Low-impact exercises may work best, water aerobics, and walking are also good as they are not weight-centric exercises. Avoid lifting heavy weights, especially if they affect the muscles around a hernia.
Now that you understand some of the most common workout injuries, stay safe and contact a Riverside sports injury attorney if you have suffered a sports-related injury.