Hinsdale Orthopaedics

For the Love of the Game

Silver Cross Orthopaedic Surgeon Hosts Program for
Aging Athletes Feb. 10

Joliet, IL (January 28, 2010)-The game winning shot. From the race to the finish, the touchdown or the home run, we can all remember the excitement and pride we experienced from sports. So it is no surprise, that as people age, they continue to participate in athletic activities. While this is a great way to stay active and healthy, it is important to remember how your body transforms as you age, making older athletes more susceptible to injury. Join Dr. Jason Hurbanek, orthopedic surgeon, on Wednesday, February 10 for an educational lecture-- Older but Still Athletic: Common Injuries and Management in Aging Athletes. This free program will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, 1200 Maple Rd., Joliet. Call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325) or visit www.silvercross.org to register to attend.

Physical Changes Caused by Aging

It is no surprise that our bodies transform as we age, but how the physical changes can affect athletic ability is very important. Age brings a decrease in maximum heart rate and an overall decline in the amount of blood the heart can pump. In younger athletes, the size of the muscle in the walls of the heart chambers increases as they exercise. Allowing the heart to slow down because it is working more efficiently. In older athletes, heart muscle size is not increased by exercise to the same degree. Aging also causes a decrease in overall lung capacity and a decline in the ability of the lungs to move oxygen from the air into the bloodstream. This means less overall strength and endurance. With aging there is a marked decline in blood flow to the brain, which is associated with a decrease in reaction time, there is also a weakening of one's sense of balance with aging. Although the most prominent change to be aware of occurs in the muscles. As we age, we lose both muscle strength and muscle mass. This affects the strength and power of performance and can also lead to loss of coordination. These changes not only affect the athlete, but they change the way one can play the game. It is very important for older athletes to incorporate a proper exercise, stretch, and training routine to support the body in athletics.

Common Injuries

It is very important for adult athletes who participate in sports to be proactive in order to prevent injury. "Most people who experience sports injuries have either a history of injury or over do it while playing sports," says Dr. Hurbanek. M.D., "Previous injuries often develop into chronic problems if they're not properly and thoroughly rehabilitated. In addition, playing or training hard every day taxes your body. Rest days are necessary to reduce injury rates because they give muscles and connective tissues time to repair themselves between training sessions."

Injuries related to the muscles and joints are common in older adults, so it is important to always stretch appropriately before and after activity.

Seeking Help

"Pay close attention to any injuries, never try to 'work through' a severe pain of a sports injury," said Dr. Hurbanek. "Stop playing or exercising when you feel any harsh pain."

Depending on the level of your injury, it maybe safe to treat the injury at home with R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for at least 48 hours. However, there are some injuries that should be seen by a doctor right away. "You should see a doctor if the injury causes severe pain, swelling or numbness, you can't put weight on the area, an old injury hurts or aches, or if an old injury swells and the joint doesn't feel normal or feels unstable," said Dr. Hurbanek.

A rehabilitation program for sports injuries is designed to meet the needs of the individual patient, depending upon the type and severity of the injury.

So, don't let sore muscles and joints deter you from being active. By preparing yourself for activity and treating any injuries that occur appropriately, you will strengthen your muscles and joints and create an overall healthier mind, body and heart-all the more to love the game.

About Dr. Hurbanek

Jason Hurbanek, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, is a member of the Silver Cross Hospital Medical Staff. Dr. Hurbanek graduated medical school from Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health. He completed an orthopedic residency at Henry Ford Hospital and an orthopedic sports medicine fellowship at Ohio State University Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. His office is located with Hinsdale Orthopaedic Associates, 1870 Silver Cross Blvd., Suite 200, New Lenox. To schedule an appointment, call (815) 462-3474.

About Silver Cross Hospital

Silver Cross Hospital is a not-for-profit health care provider serving Will County and southwest suburban communities since 1895. Silver Cross has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals National Award winner for the last five consecutive years and as one of America's Most Customer Friendly Hospitals by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. With over 2,500 employees, physicians and volunteers, Silver Cross operates a 304-bed acute care hospital and eight satellite facilities providing outpatient services and physician offices. Construction has begun to build a state-of-the-art replacement hospital opening in 2012 in New Lenox. To learn more about Silver Cross Hospital or a referral to a physician on staff, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).