Crossfit is one of the best ways to get in shape which is why most turn to this fitness regimen. Unfortunately due to its popularity, it has accumulated many injuries. Keep reading to find out the most common CrossFit injuries and what you can do to avoid them.
Most Common Crossfit Injuries
Lower Back Pain and Strain
Crossfit requires a lot of bending, lifting, flipping, and jumping. You’ll start to feel back pain soon, pain that you shouldn’t ignore. Once you start to experience pain, it’s best to be examined by a sports trainer, doctor, or physical therapist and follow their instructions word for word. Don’t resume any exercise without the doctor’s consent, you could end up injuring yourself further and causing permanent damage.
Anterior Knee Pain
Your knees are more vulnerable than you may think. Anterior knee pain stems from overuse and strain but can also be caused by dislocation. Avoid putting pressure on your knees, especially if you are experiencing swelling or an obvious displacement. If treatable at home, you can apply ice to the knees to minimize swelling and do stretches to avoid stiffness.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is in simple terms, a strained elbow. It occurs from overuse of the tendons and ligaments that are part of the elbow. You should apply ice to your elbow and rest until the swelling is no longer present. Once you no longer feel pain when using your elbow, that is when it is fully healed.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is the overuse of the tendon in the back of the heel. When it gets overuse, you start to experience pain, stiffness and swelling as well as difficulty bending. Continuing exercise like this can damage the tendon to the point of surgery being necessary. Rest is key for this type of injury. After icing the tendon, try lifting your heels to keep them limber and flexible. Don’t apply pressure until the tendon is fully healed.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Rotator cuffs can become injured when you don’t stretch properly. Stretching is important in Crossfit in order to lift heavy weights above your head. Always warm-up before you begin to lift weights. This injury also produces swelling, pain, and stiffness. The same goes for this type of injury: rest, ice, and stretch.
Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is one of the most severe injuries to happen during CrossFit. The muscle tissue breaks down and releases myoglobin into the bloodstream, an oxygen-binding protein that is filtered out of the body by the kidneys, leading to severe damage to vital organs that are necessary to sustain life.
If you are experiencing extreme tiredness, swelling, joint paint, and/or seizures, please seek medical attention immediately.
Why Do Crossfit Injuries Occur?
Crossfit injuries occur due to improper preparation. People are often eager and unaware that stretching and warming up is a critical component of working out. Don’t skip this part of your workout routine.
Training at high intensities and higher volumes can also lead to injuries. Those who compete are likely to suffer injuries for this reason.
How to Prevent a Crossfit Injury
You can prevent a CrossFit injury by warming up with a foam roller. This will help in preventing injuries on your lower back.
Warm pads and knee sleeves can protect your knees because they offer support as well. This can be helpful when you’re weight lifting.
Know when your body has reached its limit and don’t try to push it further than it can go. Don’t be another to suffer from these most common CrossFit injuries. Work on strength and conditioning without doing damage.
When To See a Doctor for Treatment
If you are feeling numbness or extreme swelling, pain, and/or stiffness, go to the emergency room. There will be no wait there. The sooner you are seen, the better chances you have of needing short term medical treatment. Stop by one of our four 24 hour locations in Clear Creek, and Jersey Village. We are a lot closer than your nearest major hospital.