Newswise — When the weather is nice, sports beckon. But before you strap on water skis or start a full-on sprint to home plate, get yourself ready. Keeping injuries at bay can keep you on the field, or on the water, for the full season.

Marcus Roux, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie, says he recommends stretching, light weight-lifting and light cardio workouts beginning two to three months ahead of time.

"Get the muscle groups going prior to strenuous activity," says Dr. Roux. "Get your muscles in shape and your body weight down. Don't just get off the couch and start playing tennis, golf or softball. A year-round regimen will help prevent muscle tears and pulls, as well as tendonitis."

Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself facing a sports injury. Here are some of the most common:

PROBLEM: Rotator cuff tear CAUSE: Less elasticity in muscles and tendons as we age makes tears more likely, especially when coupled with overhead throwing activities such as those in softball or football. TREATMENT: For a partial tear, rest, oral anti-inflammatories, ice and range-of-motion activities, as well as strengthening the injured tendon groups. For a complete tear, surgery—often minimally invasive or arthroscopically—to anchor down the torn tissue. RECOVERY TIME: Up to nine months

PROBLEM: TendonitisCAUSE: Overuse or repetitive strainTREATMENT: Modifying your activity, moist heat, stretching and oral anti-inflammatoriesRECOVERY TIME: Three to six weeks. Returning to activity too soon can cause tendonitis to reappear

PROBLEM: Pulled muscle CAUSE: Stretching a muscle too far, causing small tears TREATMENT: Rest, ice, medication to keep down swelling and gentle stretching RECOVERY TIME: From a few days to several weeks, depending on severity

PROBLEM: Cartilage and ligament tears in the knee CAUSE: Traumatic injury or age-related degeneration TREATMENT: Minor cartilage tears may be manageable; most ligament tears will require surgery if you want to return to the activities you enjoyed. Surgery almost always can be performed with minimally invasive techniques. RECOVERY TIME: Six to eight weeks for daily activity; eight to 12 weeks for sports

For more information about Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie, visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.