Secondary Injuries

Continued...

If this situation is allowed to continue and the trauma is repeated, permanent changes occur in the tissue. It becomes fibrous and scarred, losing strength and flexibility.

When this situation has developed, or if you continue to exercise with weakness from an existing injury you are ripe for developing a secondary injury. While compensating for weakness in one area, you place additional stress on another body part that may not be capable of handling it.

The Emotional Side

Injuries affect us emotionally as well as physically. They can put a strain on relationships because you may be limited and need help. In addition to the pain, there is the frustration of not being able to fully exercise. Add another injury and you may feel as if you are sliding down a steep and slippery slope.

Maintaining a positive mental attitude while recovering from an injury can be difficult, but it's extremely important to a full recovery. Even though you may be depressed, try to keep active, while giving yourself the time to recover fully from the injury. And don't ignore small, nagging injuries; take another day off if a pain hasn't gone away.

Also, remember: Most injured athletes eventually recover and learn a great deal about themselves in the process.

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About the authors: Carol L. Otis, M.D., is Chief Medical Advisor to the Sanex WTA and UCLA student health physician. Roger Goldingay is a former professional soccer player. They are married and the co-authors of The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide.

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Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine

General Health
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