Did your New Year’s Resolution Cause an Injury? When to See a Doctor

While mental health may be the main focus of New Year’s Resolutions in 2023, physical health and fitness is a close second according to Forbes Health. Of those polled, 39% indicated that they made a resolution to improve their fitness, while 37% indicated that they resolved to lose weight in 2023. If you fall into either camp or have other fitness or health goals, you may have set out to eat healthier and exercise more. But beware, sometimes challenging goals like these can result in more harm than good if proper precautions are not taken. Keep reading to learn more about common new year’s health resolutions, tips to meet them without sustaining injuries, and when to see a doctor in the event that you are injured.

Common New Year’s Health Resolutions That Lead To Injuries

Common new year health resolutions that can result in injury include trying to lose weight too quickly, or drastically increasing activity levels without gradually building up strength and endurance. Dropping off of an exercise regimen can also cause injury due to the resulting decreased muscle tone and joint instability.  

If you made a goal to lose weight or build muscle, you might be trying to dive into a new exercise routine too quickly and struggling to complete the workouts you set out to do. If that describes you, don’t be discouraged. Instead, take heart knowing that it is normal to experience an adjustment period in which you need to build up to certain activities or to be able to exercise for a longer period of time. Failing to allow yourself time for this adjustment period increases your risk of muscle or joint injury. 

In addition to increasing your activity level too quickly, practicing yoga incorrectly and doing exercises without proper form can also lead to injury. These mistakes are also common for individuals trying to achieve new year health resolutions. Exercising in poor form can put undue stress on your muscles and joints, which can lead to strains and sprains, or worse.

If you’re keen on fulfilling your new year health goals without compromising your safety, have patience and maintain consistency with a plan tailored for your lifestyle and current level of fitness.

How to Tell if You’ve Injured Yourself And When To See A Doctor

With so much focus on improving your fitness, it’s possible that you’ve already sustained an injury. But not all injuries require medical attention. From minor sprains that can be remedied with a little rest and ice to more severe sprains that require a doctor’s visit, understanding when to see a doctor is critical. So how do you know when to seek a doctor’s assistance with an injury?

• If you are having difficulty breathing or speaking, it’s time to call your primary care doctor as this could be serious. 
• For injuries involving the joints and muscles, pay attention to the severity of your pain – if swelling or decreased range of motion occur along with difficulty placing weight on your injured area, then it may be time to seek medical advice. 
• Generally speaking, injured or sprained joints should be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon if there is severe or increasing pain and swelling two days after the initial injury occurred. 

If you have any doubt about whether something is serious enough to seek medical treatment, it’s best to err on the side of caution and contact a doctor for clarity, peace of mind, and timely recovery. At G2 Orthopedics, we don’t make you wait for an appointment, we get you in as quickly as possible to be seen and assessed by our orthopedic expert. You will be seen by Dr. Goradia and not an assistant. Dr. Goradia will review your symptoms, how you sustained your injury, your medical history, and what your recovery goals are so you can get back to achieving your new year’s health goals. He may order diagnostic testing if needed, and he will recommend a treatment plan that supports your speedy recovery of motion and function.

Prevention Tips For Avoiding Injuries While Working Towards Your Resolutions

Whether or not you’ve sustained an injury in 2023, it’s important to take precautions while exercising so you stay healthy all year long and successfully meet your new year’s goals. Below are some tips to help you on your journey towards improved physical fitness and health. 

Before Exercise – Proper warm-up periods are a must before exercise to help prepare your body for strenuous activity. Effective warm-ups and stretches loosen your muscles so you are less prone to pulling or straining something once you begin your exercise routine. They also improve your performance during your exercise and help build flexibility, so be sure you adequately warm-up prior to exercising.

During Exercise – While exercising, be sure to wear appropriate clothing, drink plenty of water, and use proper form. Appropriate clothing that fits properly can improve your balance and help regulate your body temperature, so make sure you are dressed appropriately for the activity you are doing. Drinking water helps regulate body temperature and lubricate joints so you feel better and reduce your risk of injury. Lastly, improper technique can contribute to strains or sprains that may plague long-term progress, as well as cause unnecessary discomfort. 

After Exercise – Cool downs and adequate rest between workout days is just as important as your warm up. Cooling down after you exercise helps regulate your body’s blood flow and lets your body return to a resting heart rate and blood pressure. While cool downs help your body return to pre- exercise conditions, continuing to rest during off-days gives your body time to fully recover and regain energy and nutrients so you get maximum performance out of your next workout.

Good Luck Achieving Your New Year Health Resolutions from G2

At G2, we love fitness, athletics, and sports medicine. We are cheering you on as you take on ambitious goals for fitness, weight loss, or overall health in 2023. We hope to provide you with helpful tips and service as you pursue your goals this year. If you think you’ve sustained a knee, ankle, shoulder, or elbow injury, call (804) 678-9000 or complete the contact form to request your appointment and get back in motion working toward your goals.