Football, soccer, and tennis…just a few of the activities we love to play or enjoy watching our children participate in. But it’s crucial to implement safety precautions during these vigorous events. Regardless of the outdoor sport you’re playing, it’s vital to understand the importance of proper hydration when it comes to preventing sports injuries.
StopSportsInjuries.org reports that when an athlete exercises, their body temperature is elevated and the body sweats to cool itself down. During this process, body fluids, as well as critical electrolytes, are lost. If the body isn’t replenished with fluids and electrolytes, dehydration may occur.
In turn, this increases the risk of muscle cramping, which can lead to pulled muscles and torn ligaments. If heat illness progresses, more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, elevation of body temperature to dangerous levels, nausea, tingling of the limbs, heat stroke, and even death may occur.
So, exactly how much hydration is required before, during, and after outdoor activities to prevent painful injuries? Chiropractors who specialize in treating sports injuries believe that hydration should begin before exercising. Drinking 16 ounces of water or a sports drink is recommended one hour before exertion. Hydration should continue with 4-8 ounces of fluid every 15-20 minutes while exertion continues.
Furthermore, the type of fluid replacement necessary depends on the duration of the event. Plain water is adequate for events lasting less than one hour. However, for events lasting more than one hour or multiple bouts of exercise in the same day, the replacement fluid should contain carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium, which are standard components of commercial sports drinks.
The common-sense approach of proper hydration goes a long way toward prevention of sports injuries while maximizing performance on the field, even in the hottest summer weather.Know more at: Wasserman Chiropractic