The tennis season is now coming to a close with but a few trophies left to fight for before the end of the year. This week sees the start of the Beijing Open at the China National Tennis Centre, with 17 courts stretching across almost 17 hectares. The Beijing Open has climbed the ranks in recent years, in 2009 becoming the top tennis event in Asia and this year will host the WTA Crown-Pearl Tournament and the ATP 500 event.
The season has been tough this year, with players experiencing many highs and lows. Andy Murray is a casing point in lifting the Wimbledon crown and ending 77 years of British disappointment, but at the same time he was unable to retain his US Open crown and has ended the season with back surgery.
How to manage sports injuries
Injuries are common among professionals, pushing themselves continually to achieve glory. Wimbledon this year saw the highest number of injuries in recent years, with many receiving sprains and strains from slipping on the court.
The road to recovery will be determined by the type of injury and its severity. The options however include rest, ice to manage inflammation, physiotherapy, light exercise, surgery and sports braces. In the immediate aftermath of an injury you should rest for a few days to see if the injury clears up. Ice can be used during this time to help manage any inflammation and reduce pain.
Sports Braces
We have seen an increased use of sports braces, with tennis not alone in professionals sporting braces for different conditions. Andy Murray is now sponsored by a manufacturer of ankle supports, though sponsorship aside ankle supports can offer greater protection to a player on the court either as a preventative measure or during recovery.
Sports braces are available for each area of the body to manage specific conditions. They are designed to enhance performance through breathable material and conforming to the skin or joint so that they are discreet and can be worn under clothing. The majority of braces also offer compression, which works to manage inflammation, reduce pain and maintain alignment of either the muscle or joint. By maintaining alignment of a joint or muscle it can help to reduce unnatural movements and with it the risk of injury.
Tennis Elbow Supports
Tennis elbow supports are used to manage tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), a condition caused by overuse affecting the muscles and tendons which can affect the movement of your arm. Pain can also be centred on the outside of the arm.
The tennis elbow support is designed to specifically manage the affected area of the arm, offering compression in the form of either a band or support skin. The main aim of the brace is to compress the painful area, helping to manage inflammation and reduce pain and enhance mobility as a result.
Whilst tennis elbow is not necessarily as of a direct result of playing tennis the tennis elbow support caters for the injury regardless of where it was picked up, from violin playing to painting.
It is important to note that the tennis elbow support should be used in conjunction with other recovery methods. As the condition is self-limiting it should rectify itself in time, with more serious cases requiring surgery. The support should enhance your recovery to help enhance mobility and activity levels.
Ankle Supports
As mentioned, Andy Murray is now sponsored by an ankle supports manufacturer, increasing visibility of the product and awareness of its benefits. Ankle supports are designed to protect the ankle joint, with varying designs available depending on whether you are looking at preventative measures, post injury and the type of injury you wish to manage.
With an array of ankle supports on the market it is essential that you understand your condition before purchasing one, otherwise you may not receive the maximum set of benefits they can offer. There are ankle supports which are designed for simple ankle sprains and simply offer compression to manage inflammation during recovery. For more serious injuries there are options to cater for ankle ligament damage, using straps to mimic the ligaments and ensuring the ankle is stabilised without restricting movement.
Following ankle surgery a patient may opt for a rigid brace or stirrup as a means of protecting the ankle from any unnatural movement. Following surgery the ankle needs all the support you can give it and a rigid stirrup can still give you the confidence to stay mobile without fear of your ankle giving way.
In the aftermath of any injury failing to stop your chosen activity can result in doing more harm than good. A simple ankle sprain for instance can manifest itself into ankle ligament damage if you continue to stay active, as the joint will be weaker and more susceptible to rolling. If you are ever unsure about the severity of your injury you should seek a professional diagnosis. Whether you are looking to buy ankle supports or a tennis elbow support a clinician will be able to advise you on the best option for your condition.
Grand Prix Of Poland And The Importance Of Knee Bracing
This weekend sees the start of the 2015 speedway season with the Grand Prix of Poland in Warsaw. The Stadion Narodowy will play host to the world's best as Tai Woffinden takes on the best.
Managing Common Knee Injuries Ahead Of The Champions League Last 16
This week will see the second round of the last sixteen of the Champions League, with a number of crunch matches taking place and an exciting spectacle of football for the neutral. The biggest game of the tie from an English perspective has to be Manchester City taking on Barcelona, an opportunity for one of the wealthiest clubs in the world to book their place in history by knocking out one of the most successful.
Common Knee Injuries From Mountain Biking
Mountain bikers can suffer from a variety of injuries whether from overuse or following a crash or fall from your bike, all with varying degrees of severity. The more extreme the route, the bigger the adrenaline rush but also the bigger the injury should you come off your bike at speed. Luckily, the majority of injuries sustained are minor and self-limiting in that you should expect to recover following a few days of rest.
