Sophie Okolo, MPH

You’ve probably sustained a few injuries if you’re an athlete or enjoy exercising frequently. Injuries aren’t fun, and they can slow you down. Statistics show that about 8.6 million people sustain injuries from physical activities yearly. It’s natural to want to get back on your feet, and these tips below might help you recover more quickly and restore your health. 

1. Understand your injury

Part of having a speedy recovery is knowing what your injury is. That’s why it helps to seek medical assistance to know the history of your condition and how you can cope with it until you’re back in full form. It will also help you know when to expect a full recovery and any strenuous activities to avoid. However, learning more about your injury should also include how you got it in the first place. Sadly, it usually takes something drastic for you to learn a lesson. But think of it as a learning opportunity, and you will identify how to take the right precautions to prevent such injuries. While it’s true that some injuries happen outside of your control, there are some that you can mitigate or prevent from occurring. So if it means making changes in your lifestyle or wearing the appropriate exercise gear while training, it would be a lesson for you. 

2. Treat the pain

For some people, the worst part of recovering from an injury is the pain, which can make life unbearable. Fortunately, medical science has come a long way, especially in providing pain relief. There are tons of pain treatment options to consider depending on your injury. Your doctor might prescribe some anti-inflammatories, mostly for pains that result in inflammation. You can also purchase most of these painkillers over the counter. However, it would be best to speak with your doctor to prevent long-term use, which can have dangerous side effects. There are also alternative pain treatment methods you can try. CBD products like Delta 8 gummies are excellent options for treating long-term pain with certain injuries. Other treatments like massages and acupuncture are also good options. 

3. Give your body time to heal

Sustaining an injury can be a major setback that slows you down tremendously, especially if you live a busy lifestyle. But don’t be tempted to rush the healing process, as that can worsen your situation and extend your healing time. Your healthcare provider will estimate how much rest time you need depending on the severity of your injury. Additionally, your doctor might recommend that you use additional support during that period, such as crutches or braces, to speed up the healing process. Use this time to allow your body to get some rest. Failing to do so might aggravate your injury, causing future chronic pain, which can become more difficult to treat. 

Recovering from an injury can be frustrating and painful. But it is a necessary evil that will ensure you can regain your strength and allow your body to function at its maximum.