Going to the gym to get fit indicates a healthy lifestyle choice, but physical activities will always involve risks. The probability of getting injured in the gym is relatively high, as evidenced by the number of people injured yearly. According to the National Safety Council, about 10 million injuries occur in the United States each year due to exercise and fitness activities. This statistic means that there is about a 1 in 6 chance that you will get injured while working out.
There are a few reasons for this high rate of injury:
- Many people do not take the time to warm up properly before beginning their workout. It can lead to strains or tears in muscles and ligaments.
- People often push themselves too hard and attempt exercises they are not yet ready to do. It can also lead to injuries.
- Many people do not use proper form when working out, which increases their risk of injury.
If you are concerned about your risk of injury, there are a few things that you can do to reduce your chances of getting hurt:
- Ensure you always warm up properly before beginning your workout.
- Start with more straightforward exercises and work your way up to more difficult ones.
- Make sure that you use proper form when exercising.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid working out in crowded areas or near dangerous equipment.
However, no one can say for sure when they get injured, which means finding out the next steps will be critical when you do. Here are a few tips to help you with the process.
Identify Affected Body Parts
If you got injured while working out, the first thing that you need to do is identify which body parts got affected. This step will help you to determine the severity of your injury and whether or not you need to seek medical attention.
In some cases, the pain from an injury may be sharp and localized. It is often indicative of a muscle strain or ligament sprain. These damages can usually get treated at home with the RICE method and over-the-counter pain medication. However, you should see a doctor if the pain is severe or does not go away after a few days.
The pain may be more diffuse and spread throughout your body. It is often indicative of a stress fracture. These injuries occur when the bones are overloaded and start to crack. They are most common in the legs, feet, and ankles. If you think you may have a stress fracture, it is vital to see a doctor immediately.
Get Medical Attention
If you got injured while working out, it is crucial to get medical attention as soon as possible. This step will help to ensure that your injury gets properly diagnosed and treated.
There are a few different ways to get medical attention for your injury. You can go to an urgent care center, your primary care doctor, or an orthopedic specialist.
Urgent care centers are a good option if you need to get seen quickly, but your injury is not severe enough to go to the emergency room. Primary care doctors are a good option if you have a regular doctor that you see for your general health needs. Orthopedic specialists are a good option if your injury is more severe or you think you may need surgery.
Head injuries are also common in the gym. If you hit your head, you must go to the emergency room immediately. It is because there is a risk of concussion or other serious brain injuries. Sometimes, the symptoms will not show up for days, and detection could be too late for preventive measures. Getting an open and upright MRI test will be critical to ensure your brain did not receive life-threatening damage.
Follow Your Treatment Plan
After a doctor has seen you, it is essential to follow your treatment plan. It may include rest, ice, physical therapy from Atlas Physical Therapy, or surgery.
If you have a mild injury, you may be able to treat it at home with rest and ice. However, if your damage is more severe, you may need to see a physical therapist. Physical therapists can help you to regain strength and range of motion in your injured body part. They can also teach you exercises that will help to prevent re-injury.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat an injury. Surgery is usually only recommended if conservative treatment options have failed. Recovering from an injury can take time, especially when undergoing surgery. It is essential to be patient and follow your treatment plan. If you try to do too much too soon, you may end up re-injuring yourself.
Final Thoughts
It can be scary to get injured while working out. However, it is crucial to stay calm and follow the steps above. This guide will help you get the proper diagnosis and treatment for your injury. With time and patience, you will be back to your old self.