When you focus most of your strenuous activities to the weekends only, you are putting a lot of stress on your body. With a hip replacement, you might be more likely to require one when they engage in activity in this manner. Of course, there are also other injuries that you want to be aware of so that you can do what you can to prevent them.
Ruptured Achilles Tendon
This tendon is constantly working when you are moving and it works even harder during strenuous activity. While it can take a lot of abuse, if you do not work it often and then expect it to perform suddenly at a high level, this could result in a rupture. Any activity that requires running or walking require that you use this tendon with each step.
Plantar Fasciitis
This is a condition that is very common in weekend warriors and its primary characteristic is heel pain. In fact, it is estimated that up to one million people in the United States visit their doctor each year for pain related to this condition. It occurs as a result of overload stress on the band of tissue that is referred to as the plantar fascia. In many cases, the only way to improve it to is rest it and take medications to alleviate inflammation.
Tennis Elbow
While commonly seen in those who play tennis, it can affect anyone who is using their elbow in a specific and repetitive fashion. Think of how your elbow moves when swinging a tennis racquet and this is the movement that can cause this condition. It tends to be seen in people over age 40. It affects the extensor tendons in the elbow when the repetitive movement causes micro tears in them.
Sprained Ankle
This is a common injury for all people, but especially in weekend warriors. It occurs when the ligaments in the ankle get over-stretched and torn. The tearing and stretching typically happen when the ankle is moved in an unnatural way, such as being twisted or turned beyond what the ligaments in the ankle are capable of handling. For example, if you land on your foot wrong and the ankle turns inward, this can result in a sprain. There are different levels to this type of injury, but the most common can be treated conservatively.
Use this information to keep your body healthy and to reduce your risk of needing major surgery at a younger age, such as hip replacement. If you do experience an injury, it is important that you see a doctor as quickly as possible to have it evaluated and properly treated.
Need Help?
Request a consultation at the Orthopedic & Sports Institute (OSI) by calling (920) 560-1000 or request an appointment online. OSI also offers a Walk-In Clinic at its Appleton location for new, acute orthopedic injuries.
The Orthopedic & Sports Institute has convenient locations to serve you. In addition to the flagship facility in Appleton, you will find outreach clinics in New London, Ripon, Shawano, Waupaca, and the newest location serving the Green Bay area, inside the NOVO Health Clinic in De Pere.