Treating Sports Injuries
Mar 13, 2024The term sports injury can be a little misleading. It is not only sportspersons who suffer from them. Anyone who suffers an injury during the course of physical activity may be suffering from one. Factory workers get tennis elbows, gardeners develop tendonitis and house painters often suffer from shoulder injuries. If you are a professional athlete, you will have specialized trainers, physiotherapists and other caregivers to protect you from these injuries and to help you recover if one does occur. However, if someone who is a not professional sportsperson gets a sports injury, it is important to know some basic facts about it.
Risk Factors for Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are more likely to happen if:
- You are out of shape and strain your body
- You exercise without warming up and cooling down
- You do not wear protective equipment
- You participate in contact sports
- You make sudden body movements that stress joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons
- You are recovering from other medical conditions
Diagnosing Sports Injuries
Diagnosing a sports injury begins with a physical examination and the patient providing information on how the injury occurred. The symptoms will also be evaluated. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, the doctor may also ask for imaging tests to be done. CT scan, x-ray, MRI and ultrasound can all provide pictures of the injury that will allow the doctor to understand the nature of the problem in detail. Once the diagnosis is complete, a treatment plan will be formulated.
Also Read: First Aid for Seniors – Special Precautions and Needs
Treatment
Because the severity and nature of sports injuries vary greatly, so also do the treatment procedures. In many cases, minor injuries heal themselves with home care. Minor injuries can often be treated at home using the RICE treatment. This means:
R- Rest: Do not use the injured limb or area of the body for a few days.
I – Ice: Place ice packs on the injured area intermittently (for 20 minutes at a time) to reduce pain and swelling.
C – Compression: Wrap the injured area in a support bandage to provide support and bring down swelling. The bandage should fit firmly, but not be so tight that blood circulation is affected.
E – Elevation: As far as possible, keep the injured limb/area of the body in an elevated position, i.e., above the level of the heart. In the case of leg or arm injuries, lie down and place the limb on a few pillows.
Over-the-counter medication including NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can control pain. Do not continue taking these medications for longer than the period indicated on the product label.
However, if the injury is more serious or if home treatment does not produce results within a reasonable time, medical advice should be sought. Doctors specializing in orthopedics and sports injuries will diagnose the condition and decide on the treatment protocols to be followed. These could include:
- The use of a cast, sling, splint and other devices to immobilize the affected body part.
- The use of prescription medications.
- Pain and swelling relieving injections.
- Surgery to repair the damage, if the injury involves fractures or muscle, ligament or cartilage damage.
- Physical therapy to heal body parts and strengthen them so as to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Any other course of treatment that the doctors think necessary.
A multispecialty hospital where all the required diagnostic and treatment facilities are available is the best option.
When to See a Doctor
If the injury appears to be severe or is very painful, visit a doctor without delay. Go for emergency care in case of the following:
- Massive swelling or unbearable pain.
- Lumps, bumps and other deformities are visible in the injured area.
- When you hear a popping, cracking or crunching sound during movement which may or may not be accompanied by pain.
- Weakness or inability to put weight on or move the injured limb or area of the body.
- Instability or dizziness.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Inability to focus or even a short spell of unconsciousness.
Also Read: How to Plan For Recovering At Home after Surgery
Reducing the Risk
Because sports injuries are directly related to physical activities, there is no way to be sure of avoiding them. Even something as normal as throwing a ball to a child or picking up a dropped book could cause an injury. That does not mean that you should sit in a corner and not move. There is a lot that you can do to minimize the risk while allowing yourself the enjoyment of sports and other activities.
- Be sure that you are fit enough for the sport or activity you want to indulge in.
- Try to avoid sports where physical contact in the form of tackles or collisions is involved.
- Do not limit yourself to only one sport or activity. This may result in other parts of the body being weaker and more susceptible to injury than others.
- When it comes to training for sporting events, ensure that it includes cardiovascular exercise and strength and flexibility training besides whatever preparation the particular sport requires.
- Learn the proper techniques required for the physical activity and use them.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after the activity.
- When starting a new sport or activity, start slowly and progress gradually.
- Always wear the required protective equipment and ensure that it is in good condition.
If you have suffered a sports injury, you need to know when and how to treat it yourself, and when to get professional medical help if self-care does not work or if the injury is a serious one. Because of the wide causes and nature of sports injuries, a large multispecialty hospital is the place to go to for diagnosis and treatment. This is where you will find a full range of medical specialties and highly qualified specialists to accurately diagnose the problem and prescribe the most effective course of treatment. These injuries may require multiple treatment protocols and having them all available at one place not only makes recovery more convenient, it also helps to make it as rapid as possible.
Comments - 0
Share Your Thoughts
SEARCH
RECENT BLOGS
CATEGORIES
7 Proven Ways to Live a Heart Healthy Life
Common Heart Procedures An Overview
Common Tests To Diagnose Heart Disease
All You Need To Know About Coronary Artery Disease
How to Manage Stress at Work? | Heart Health
How Good Sleep Can Keep Your Heart Healthy
Angioplasty and Stent Placement - How Is It Done?
Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Ablation for Irregular Heartbeat
10 Common Myths About Cardiovascular Disease
The Senior Citizens’ Basic Guide to Good Cardiac Health
Causes of Hair Fall and Prevention
All You Need To Know About Abdominoplasty Or Tummy Tuck Surgery
All You Need to Know About PRP Treatment
What Is Cosmetic Surgery? What are the types of Cosmetic Surgery?
Staying Healthy During A Pandemic
Healthcare in the Post COVID-19 World
Emergency Response When Experiencing Difficulty in Breathing
First Aid for Seniors – Special Precautions and Needs
The Importance of Medical Care for Patients Who Have Only About 6 Months to Live
Vertigo - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Middle Ear Infection And Treatment
Sore Throats and Their Treatments
Sinus Infection - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
When Should You Consult an ENT Specialist?
Conditions That Require Urgent Diagnosis by an ENT Specialist
Can Diabetes be cured permanently?
The Importance of Health Packages in Staying Healthy
Whom to See First? General Physician or Specialist?
Knowing When to Go to the Hospital
How to Find the Right Hospital Near You?
Why Multispecialty Hospitals Are the Best
The Link Between Diabetes And Obesity
Pain in Sole of the Foot – Do Not Ignore It
The Dangers of Antibiotic Misuse
What causes excessive burping?
Acid Reflux Should Not Be Ignored
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The Importance Of Limiting Time On Tech Devices For Children
Sitting Too Much and Heart Health: The Link
Health Risks While Returning to Work after the Lockdown
A South Indian Diet Plan For Heart Patients
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Traumatic Brain Injury - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
5 Things to Know About Cerebral Palsy
Spotting Early Signs of Dementia
4 Things to Know About Pituitary Tumours
List of Common Urogynaecology Surgical Procedures
Tips for Successful Breast Feeding
The Importance of Regular Gynaecological Examinations
How To Find The Best Gynecologist
Vaginal Discharge - When Should You See A Doctor
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – What You Need To Know
Premenstrual Syndrome - Understanding and Dealing with It
What You Need to Know About Ovarian Cyst
Menopause Is Normal but That Does Not Mean It May Not Need Treatment
Uterine Fibroids May Be Common, but the Condition Should Not Be Ignored
What You Need to Know About Menstrual Pain and Cramps?
பெண்ணுறுப்பு புற்றுநோய்க்கான அபாயத்தைக் குறைக்கும் ஆரோக்கியமான பழக்க வழக்கங்கள்
மகப்பேற்றுக்குப் பின்பான பராமரிப்பு – சில ஆலோசனைகள்
Advancements in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Endometriosis: Surgical Options and Their Impact on Quality of Life
Common Misconceptions About Gynecological Health
Do Not Ignore Your Regular Gynecology Examination
Gynecological Conditions That Demand Urgent Treatment
மகப்பேறியல் மற்றும் மகளிர் மருத்துவத்திற்கு இடையிலான வேறுபாட்டைப் புரிந்துகொள்வது
ஒரு பெண் எப்போது மகளிர் மருத்துவப் பரிசோதனைகளைத் தொடங்க வேண்டும்
Gynecological Good Health Over 35 - Understanding the Basics
Do Not Believe These Common Pregnancy-Related Myths
Being Shy When Discussing Health Issues with Your Gynecologist Is a Mistake
மெனோபாஸ் - ஹார்மோன் மாற்றங்களைச் சமாளிக்க வாழ்க்கைமுறை மாற்றங்கள்
The Importance of Self Breast Examination
Understanding the Various Stages of Lung Cancer
Can Lung Cancer Be Diagnosed Without a Biopsy?
Healthy Habits That Can Help Deal with Lung Cancer
Understanding Cancer – The First Step In Dealing With It – Part 1
Understanding Cancer - The First Step In Dealing With It - Part 2
HPV Vaccination – Protection against Cervical and Other Cancers
கீல்வாத மூட்டுவலி என்பது என்ன?
Herniated Disk: When Is Surgery Needed?
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes and Treatment
Do Brittle Bones and Hormones Have a Connection?
Paediatric Care – Choosing the Right Hospital
Immunization Chart For The Ages Of 0 To 3 Years
Regular Health Checkups for Children Are Vital for Long-Term Good Health
Boosting Your Child’s Natural Ability to Fight Sickness
Psychological Trauma after an accident
Sleep Disorders - Causes and Treatment
மாரடைப்பின் எச்சரிக்கை அறிகுறிகளை அறியுங்கள் – தாமதிக்காமல் செயல்படுங்கள்!
எண்டோகிரைன் கோளாறுகள் - வகைகள், காரணங்கள், அறிகுறிகள், நோய் கண்டறிதல் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை வகைகள்
இதய நோயாளிகளுக்கான உணவுமுறைத்திட்டம்
குழந்தை சாப்பிட வம்பு பண்ணும் பழக்கத்தை சரி செய்யும் வழிகள்
ஸ்ட்ரோக் - சிகிச்சையும் பாதுகாப்பும்
நுரையீரல் புற்றுநோய்க் காரணிகள்
குழந்தைகள் பொருட்களை விழுங்கிவிட்டால் என்ன செய்வது
வாழ்க்கை முறை மாற்றங்கள் மூலம் கொலஸ்ட்ரால் அளவைக் குறைப்பது எப்படி?
வைட்டமின் டி குறைபாட்டினை நிவர்த்தி செய்யும் வழிகள்
தோல் வியாதிகள் மற்றும் அவற்றைப் புறக்கணிப்பதால் ஏற்படும் அபாயங்கள்
இதய நோய்ச் சிகிச்சையில் தொழில்நுட்ப முன்னேற்றங்கள்
மனநல நோய்கள் குணப்படுத்தப் படக் கூடியவை, கவலை வேண்டாம்!
செர்விகல் ஸ்போண்டிலோசிஸ் – காரணங்கள் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை
கீழ் முதுகுவலி மீண்டும் வராமல் தடுக்க சில வாழ்க்கை முறை மாற்றங்கள்
வறண்ட தொண்டைப் புண் - காரணங்கள் மற்றும் சிகிச்சை
ஆஸ்துமாவுடன் வாழ்வது – நாம் தெரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டிய விஷயங்கள்
செவித்திறன் இழப்பு - காரணங்கள் மற்றும் தடுப்பு
உறைந்த தோள்பட்டையை (ஃப்ரோஸன் ஷோல்டர்) புறக்கணிக்காதீர்கள்!
நடைப்பயிற்சி ஒரு வரப்பிரசாதம்!
மகளிர்நல மருத்துவச் சிகிச்சைகள் மற்றும் அறுவைச் சிகிச்சைகளிலான முன்னேற்றங்கள்
பருவகால ஒவ்வாமைகள் மற்றும் அதைத் தடுக்கும் வழிகள்
Archive
- 2025
- 2024
- Dec(4)
-
Nov(5)
- ஒரு பெண் எப்போது மகளிர் மருத்துவப் பரிசோதனைகளைத் தொடங்க வேண்டும்
- மகப்பேறியல் மற்றும் மகளிர் மருத்துவத்திற்கு இடையிலான வேறுபாட்டைப் புரிந்துகொள்வது
- Gynecological Conditions That Demand Urgent Treatment
- Conditions That Require Urgent Diagnosis by an ENT Specialist
- 10 Common Myths About Cardiovascular Disease
- Oct(4)
- Sep(4)
- Aug(3)
- Jul(4)
- Jun(3)
- May(4)
- Apr(4)
- Mar(4)
- Feb(4)
- Jan(4)
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018