We are just mere hours away from the start of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France! Every four years, this international competition sparks excitement in both sports fans and patriots worldwide. The Advantage Home Health Solutions team would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone who is part of Team Canada the very best. We look forward to collecting a haul of medals that is larger in size than any before!
Perhaps, more importantly, we would like to wish every Olympic athlete, competing in the Summer Games, a health and injury-free experience. Unfortunately, almost no sporting event can go without an injury of some kind. Given the extreme nature of many of the events, Olympians are bound to endure some issues, especially in their lower bodies. But what are the most prevalent leg injuries experienced by athletes?
Hamstring strains.
Your hamstrings are the tendons found at the back of your thighs. These strong bands of tissue attach the large thigh muscle to the bone. One of the most common injuries for athletes, a hamstring strain can often occur during sprinting. Track and field athletes beware! The strain occurs when the back of the thigh is either overstretched or torn. In order to prevent hamstring strains, athletes are encouraged to follow planned-out warm-up routines. They should include a focus on dynamic stretches that work to increase flexibility and blood flow.
Hamstring pulls are known to be quite painful. Although they usually heal on their own, over time, wrapping your hamstring up with a compression stocking can help to alleviate the pain. The stocking also works to keep the muscle warm while providing it with the additional support the muscles need for healing.
Torn ACLs.
ACL stands for “Anterior Cruciate Ligament”. It is located in the knee and can be torn or ruptured during vigorous activity. ACL tears really hurt. Baseball, soccer, basketball and football players know this all too well. In order to ward off ACL injuries, athletes often participate in drills and exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee, quadriceps and hamstrings. The drills are intended to improve balance and coordination, but also reduce the risk tears that may require surgery.
Dr. Mia S. Hagen of the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine explains that thigh-high compression stockings are recommended after ACL reconstruction surgery. “These are to reduce the risk of blood clots,” she informs, “They also decrease swelling in your feet after surgery. You should wear these at all times for the first 2 weeks after surgery.”
Patellar tendinitis.
Also known as “jumper’s knee”, this injury impacts the tendon that connects your kneecap to your shinbone. Athletes who endure this condition often have jumping and other rapid movements as part of their regular performances. Basketball and volleyball players fall into this category.
To prevent patellar tendinitis, athletes are urged to regularly stretch. This helps to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings. Stretching also reduces stress on the patellar tendon. The patellar tendon works with the muscles at the front of your thigh to extend your knee. It enables you to kick, run and jump.
Suitable for mild to moderate patellar tendinitis, compression stockings support the joints of the knee and enhance blood flow. This helps to reduce swelling and pain. The stockings can be worn daily or during physical activities to help manage symptoms.
Stress fractures.
These small cracks in the bone result from repetitive force or overuse. Stress fractures generally take place in the lower legs and feet. Track athletes and gymnasts are familiar with the pain associated with stress fractures. To prevent them, these athletes are trained to gradually increase the intensity and duration of their activities during practice. This allows their bones to adapt and strengthen for their competitions. However, if a stress fracture occurs, much rest is needed to allow the bone to heal.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center offers some good news about stress fractures. “Most are treated without surgery,” informs their website, “Treatment typically focuses on rest and avoiding placing weight on the affected foot or limb. Using ice, elevating your foot or leg, and wearing compression socks or bandages also help.”
Achilles tendinitis.
Achilles tendinitis refers to the inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. A common injury in athletes who run, jump and stop suddenly (see track stars, basketball players and volleyball players), Achilles tendinitis can be prevented by regular stretching of the calf muscles. Athletes are also cautioned to gradually increase their activity levels to avoid overloading the tendon.
Compression stockings are designed to provide consistent pressure to the legs and ankles. Sufferers of Achilles tendinitis find relief in the gentle pressure from the stockings as they support the movement of fluid away from the inflammation site. This can offer comfort and promote recovery. In addition, the pressure from compression stockings supports blood circulation in the lower extremities, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues. This speeds up healing.
Save on compression stockings until August 4th!
The Advantage Home Health Solutions team would like to remind you that we are currently running an awesome promotion on compression stockings! Until August 4th, any time you purchase a pair, you will receive a $50 coupon for your next pair! Our wide selection of high performance compression wear is both washer and dryer friendly. They come in a large variety of styles, sizes and gradient compression levels.
Take our Juzo line of compression stockings, for example. It offers several post surgical sleeves, maternity hose and stockings. Offering great compression relief for athletes, Juzo compression stockings are available in a range of retro colours and styles.
The certified compression fitting consultants, at Advantage Home Health Solutions, will help you to find a pair of compression stockings that is perfect for you. Our team will also help to determine if you can claim your compression stockings on your health plan! For more information, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
