Sports Injuries
SPORTS INJURIES
Adam Climo
In recent years, increasing numbers of people of all ages have been heeding their
health professionals' advice to get active for all of the health benefits exercise
has to offer. But for some people particularly those who overdo or who don't properly
train or warm up these benefits can come at a price: sports injuries.
Fortunately, most sports injuries can be treated effectively, and most people who suffer
injuries can return to a normal level of physical activity after an injury.
Even better, many sports injuries can be prevented if people take the proper precautions.
Many high school students don't take the proper precaution and just think it's ok to play on
an injury: IT'S NOT!!!
Sports Injuries Come in many forms. Yet many injuries can be repeated or are most common
such as, Muscle sprains and strains Tears of the ligaments that hold joints together
Tears of the tendons that support joints and allow them to move, Dislocated joints and
Fractured bones, including vertebrae.
Many students and pro atheletes think that its okay to play on an injury. Yet it's not.
You should always consult a specialist for the following symptoms: 1)The injury causes severe pain, swelling, or numbness
2) You can't tolerate any weight on the area,3) The pain or dull ache of an old injury is accompanied
by increased swelling or joint abnormality or instability.
Yet if you don't have any of the above symptoms, you can use the RICE method to self-treat an injury:
Rest. Reduce regular exercise or activities of daily living as needed. If you cannot put weight on an ankle or knee,
crutches may help. If you use a cane or one crutch for an ankle injury, use it on the uninjured side to help you lean
away and relieve weight on the injured ankle.
Ice. Apply an ice pack to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day. A cold pack, ice bag,
or plastic bag filled with crushed ice and wrapped in a towel can be used. To avoid cold injury and frostbite,
do not apply the ice for more than 20 minutes. (Note: Do not use heat immediately after an injury.
This tends to increase internal bleeding or swelling. Heat can be used later on to relieve muscle tension and promote
relaxation.)
Compression. Compression of the injured area may help reduce swelling. Compression can be achieved with elastic
wraps, special boots, air casts, and splints. Ask your health care provider for advice on which one to use.
Elevation. If possible, keep the injured ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist elevated on a pillow, above the level of the heart,
to help decrease swelling.
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