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From Sharon O'Brien, About.com Guide

Baby Boomer Sports Injuries Keep Doctors Busy

Wednesday August 1, 2007
Baby boomers are exercising more than any previous generation, using regular workouts to maintain health, manage stress, and improve their quality of life. But sport injuries from running, swimming and biking are also sending baby boomers into doctors’ offices and operating rooms in record numbers. What kind of baby boomer sports injuries are keeping doctors so busy?
Photo by Michael Connors

The sport injuries that cause baby boomers to seek medical care in record numbers include:

  • knee joint replacement
  • surgery to repair cartilage and ligament damage in knees
  • hip joint replacement
  • tendonitis
  • arthritis
  • bursitis
  • stress fractures of the foot and lower leg
  • Sports Injuries are a "Boomer" Business
    The New York Times reports that sports injuries are now the number two reason that people visit doctors offices, and sports injuries among middle-aged adults are driving up medical costs and increasing the number of lost work days—not to mention causing baby boomers a lot of pain.

    Health care professionals say there is no reason for baby boomers to stop exercising or to be in pain.

    To avoid sports injuries it's important to take a smarter approach. Find the right balance, and use common sense about matching your activities to your body's changing capabilities as you mature.

    Related Resources:

  • Exercise Tips for Baby Boomers: How to Avoid Sports Injuries
  • Aging Gracefully: The Benefits of Senior Exercise
  • Exercise Reduces Risk of Dementia in Older Adults
  • Exercise Speeds Wound Healing In Seniors
  • 4 Best Exercises for Older Adults
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