Lockdown has triggered a rise in the number of people experiencing injury from exercise.
Consultants from Total Orthopaedics have noted a 30 per cent increase in patients reporting injury from diving into exercise for the first time or after a long period of inactivity. The most common injuries include ankle stress fractures, joint damage in knees and ligament injuries. Of those injured patients, nearly all of those that were susceptible are between the 30-50 year age category.
With gyms closed due to social distancing, there has been an increase in home exercising, with over a quarter of Brits (26 per cent) doing more home workouts, including online classes, with the result being a rise in fitness-related minor injuries.
Joyti Saksena, Consultant Surgeon from Total Orthopaedics, advised: “While it is fantastic that so many people are keen to stay fit or improve their fitness during lockdown, we know that the risk of injury can be higher when individuals start exercising again after a long period of inactivity, particularly when there isn’t a professional expert present to supervise the exerciser’s form and technique.
“Our consultants’ combined expertise, specifically related to sports and exercise, extends beyond 30 years, so we understand that injuries will heal much better and quicker when treated immediately and with the right advice. To avoid unnecessary trips to a clinic or hospital during this time, most of our patients are using our virtual consultations.”
