As frustrating as sports injuries can be for fans, they have to be more frustrating for athletes because injuries take them away from the game they love. To avoid missing a game, many athletes try to rush back to the field too soon. However, doing so only opens the door for them to aggravate their injury or sustain a more serious one. They should always follow medical advice as to when they can return to action, and not simply resume playing.

A columnist for Bleacher Report tells San Francisco 49ers fans that, no matter how frustrated they get by their team’s lack of success in the passing game, they shouldn’t expect the 49ers to rush Michael Crabtree back:

“The 26-year-old tore his Achilles in the offseason and had surgery in May. Now he is getting close to returning to the field. When looking at the schedule, the 49ers shouldn’t be pushing him to get back on the field until he’s ready.

49ers fans are getting impatient with the passing game, but they should be looking at the big picture. This is a playoff team. Crabtree showed in last year’s postseason that he can be a star, so making sure he is healthy for January has to be a priority.”

While professional athletes have the benefit of having team trainers and doctors to assist them in their recovery, many amateur athletes do not have the luxury of having medical experts watch over their every move. Fortunately, they can turn to South San Francisco urgent care physicians who are qualified to administer to athletes and are more than happy to help them.

An urgent care physician can conduct a physical examination of the injured body part to confirm whether or not it has healed properly. In the unfortunate event that the physician still cannot clear a patient to resume competitive play, he or she can recommend exercises that will build the strength of the affected area, or refer the patient for further treatments.

Injuries may be accepted as “part of the game”, but athletes do not have to leave themselves vulnerable to further injuries. When returning from an injury, regardless of whether it is a minor or major one, be sure to get medically cleared by a doctor from a reputable center for urgent care in South San Francisco, such as the one operated by U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group.

(Article Excerpt and Image from Michael Crabtree Shouldn’t Be Rushed Back from Injury by San Francisco 49ers, Bleacher Report, November 19, 2013)