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Avoiding injury while playing sports

Dr. Joel Boyd, an orthopedic surgeon at Tria Orthopedic, says the way they're treating sports injuries now allows them to get athletes back in the game more quickly.

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - When playing the sport you love, there's constantly that chance of an injury putting you on the sideline.

Dr. Joel Boyd, an orthopedic surgeon at Tria Orthopedic, says the way they're treating sports injuries now allows them to get athletes back in the game more quickly.

Dr. Boyd says athletes should be back in action about two months after an injury like a clavicle fracture, and four to six weeks after a hamstring strain.

As you age, your body does become more susceptible to those injuries. “It's unfortunate that we keep having birthdays,” Dr. Boyd laughs.

Dr. Boyd says genetics play a huge role in how well your body can keep competing into your later years, but there are certain things you can be doing to avoid getting bit by the injury bug.

“You can't control your genetics, you can only control your strength to some degree. So, strengthening your quads, your hamstrings, things that support the joints, especially around the knee – it's very important,” he says.

He says maintaining your strength will help keep your joints from being forced to carry the bulk of the load.

If sports are a big part of your weekly routine, Dr. Boyd says it's about honing in on those things that are in your hands. “Maintaining your strength, keeping the weight under control - those are the only things you actually have control over,” he says.

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