Sports medicine specialist offers advice to prevent summer sports injuries James Christopher Mendler,M.D., a board-certified sports medicine specialist atThe Sports Medicine Inst tute at Saint Peter's University Hospital, expects to see a number of sports-related injuries this summer; however,many of them can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. "When the summer months come around, recreational athletes are more commonly treated for overuse injuries such as tennis elbow, an injury to the muscles and tendons on the outside of the elbow,or golfer's elbow, a similar problem on the inside of the elbow; knee pain or shin splints from running on hard pavement; and rotator cuff or shoulder tendonitis from activities such as excessive swimming, throwing or tennis," said Dr.Mendler."Cases of dehydration and heat stroke related to sports activities are also frequently seen this time of year." Stress fractures, an overuse injury of the bone, are another common injury typically seen in less active people who suddenly undertake a burst of exercise, as well as more serious athletes such as runners training for summer marathons. "The average runner's body is equipped to run up to about 25 miles per week," said Dr.Mendler."I treat a number of runners who are averaging 50 to 60 miles per week.By training this hard they put themselves at high risk for serious overuse injuries such as stress fractures in the femur (thigh bone), shin and foot bones." Another area of concern for athletes and nonathletes alike is to engage in high levels of summer activity while taking certain common medications. For example, antihistamines,prescribed to combat summer allergies, can affect a person's ability to regulate their body temperature,putting them at high risk for heat stroke. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs before exercising to mask an already existing pain can also be dangerous. "Anti-inflammatory drugs interfere with the body's natural pain signal,which can result in further aggravation or injury,"Dr.Mendler explains."These medications can also affect the intestines and kidney on their own. Combined with heat, extreme activity and dehydration the effects are magnified, and, though less common, this can result in a bleeding ulcer or kidney failure." Dr.Mendler recommends a few simple precautions for those looking to stay healthy when participating in their favorite summer sport activity: 1. Start out easy.Gradually increase the amount of time devoted to a particular exercise.This will give your body the chance to adapt to being more active and lessen the chance of an overuse injury. 2.Keep properly hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or sport drinks.Be aware of the temperature and humidity levels when participating in sports activities outside such as soccer, tennis or marathon running, and plan accordingly. Early mornings or early evenings are the best time of day in the summer to engage in high levels activities outside. 3.Consult with your doctor before participating in summer sports activities if you suffer from certain medical conditions such as heart disease,osteoporosis or arthritis, and are taking prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Dr.Mendler specializes in the nonsurgical treatment of sports-related injuries and overuse syndromes and other musculoskeletal and medical conditions related to active lifestyles.He works with and treats professional athletes, as well as recreational athletes and casual exercisers.He can be reached at the Sports Medicine Institute,which is located in Saint Peter's Center forAthletic Rehabilitation and Educational Services (CARES 11),562 EastonAve., Somerset,by calling (732) 565-5420.