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Playing Through Sports Injuries Can Be Dangerous

Athletes of all ages and ability levels are likely to feel pressured to push themselves and their bodies to the point of injury at some point in their athletic training or competition. However, playing through pain can quickly lead to a severe injury.

The sports medicine doctors at Sports Medicine North say though soreness and muscle ache are common among weekend warriors and athletes at the youth, high school, college, and professional levels, it’s important to be able to distinguish between normal aches and pains and a serious injury.

“Young or inexperienced athletes may not be able to distinguish between everyday soreness from workouts and practice and a serious injury,” explains Dr. James O’Holleran, sports medicine doctor at Sports Medicine North. “If there is no significant pop or tear in a muscle or ligament, an athlete might be tempted to continue playing at the same level.”

However, Dr. O’Holleran says the risks of continuing to play without proper evaluation and treatment or a period of rest, if you have sustained an injury, can be severe. An athlete who continues to play through an injury is likely to turn a mild, treatable injury into a much more severe injury that will require a longer recovery period. An athlete attempting to play with an injury also risks injuring other muscles, ligaments, and tendons as those supporting parts compensate for the original injured area.

Many injuries can be prevented with proper training and common sense. You can avoid injury by listening to your body and allowing yourself to rest between workouts. This will give your muscles, tendons, and ligaments the necessary time to rebuild.

If you have suffered a sports-related injury and would like to schedule an appointment with one of the sports medicine doctors at Sports Medicine North, call (978) 309-3066 or click here to schedule an appointment online.

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