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June marks Men’s Health Month, a national observance focused on encouraging men to prioritize their physical well-being through prevention, early detection and treatment of health issues. The orthopaedic specialists at UF Health offer valuable insights for men looking to maintain optimal physical health while avoiding common sports-related injuries.
Building a Foundation for Lifelong Mobility
The UF Health Medical Group Orthopaedics team recommends building a balanced fitness routine that incorporates strength training, cardiovascular exercise and flexibility work. Research shows that men who maintain muscle mass through regular resistance training experience better metabolic health and reduced risk of injury as they age.
Five Essential Tips for Men’s Orthopaedic Health
1. Prioritize Recovery: Muscles need time to repair and strengthen after workouts. Incorporate rest days into your routine and consider active recovery options like swimming or walking on days between intense training sessions.
2. Focus on Form Over Weight: UF Health Medical Group Orthopaedics team frequently treats injuries resulting from improper lifting technique. When strength training, perfect your form with lighter weights before progressing to heavier loads. This significantly reduces injury risk while maximizing results.
3. Maintain Healthy Body Weight: Excess weight places additional stress on joints, particularly knees and hips. Even modest weight loss can dramatically reduce pressure on these critical joints and decrease arthritis risk.
4. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports joint lubrication and muscle function. Aim for at least 3-4 liters of water daily, especially when exercising in Florida’s heat and humidity.
5. Don’t Ignore Pain: Men often delay seeking treatment, trying to push through pain. This frequently transforms manageable conditions into serious injuries requiring extensive treatment.
Common Sports Injuries in Men and Prevention Strategies
Men are particularly susceptible to certain orthopaedic injuries. Achilles tendon ruptures, rotator cuff tears and ACL injuries frequently sideline active men. The UF Health team emphasizes prevention through proper warm-up routines, cross-training and gradual progression in training intensity.
Comprehensive warm-ups targeting the specific muscle groups you’ll be using are essential. Five to ten minutes of dynamic stretching and mobility work dramatically reduces injury risk.
For weekend warriors—men who primarily exercise on weekends due to busy weekday schedules—the risk of injury increases significantly. UF Health specialists recommend maintaining some level of activity throughout the week rather than condensing all exercise into weekend sessions.
When to Seek Professional Help
The UF Health orthopaedic team advises seeking medical attention for:
. Pain that persists more than two weeks
. Sudden, severe pain during activity
. Joint instability or giving way
. Visible swelling or deformity
. Inability to bear weight or perform normal movements
Early intervention often means faster recovery and better outcomes. The multidisciplinary team at UF Health provides comprehensive care for everything from minor sprains to complex surgical cases.
This Men’s Health Month, the UF Health Medical Group Orthopaedics team encourages all men to prioritize their physical well-being through preventative care, smart training practices and prompt attention to potential issues—setting the foundation for active, healthy living for years to come.
Get Expert Orthopaedic Care
For more information about orthopaedic services, sports medicine or to schedule a consultation with the UF Health Medical Group Orthopaedics team, call 352-323-5665. Our specialists are ready to help you achieve your health and fitness goals while preventing and treating injuries effectively.
Paul Mahle, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery, Adult Reconstruction
Cedric Tankson, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine – Foot & Ankle
Jon Radnothy, DO
Orthopaedic Surgery, Total Joint
Isaac Mitchell, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine – Shoulder
352.323.5665
UFHealth.org/uf-health-orthopaedics-central-florida
