Treatment for Sports InjuriesTo prevent further injury is the first order of business as soon as you notice signs of an injury. Stop activity immediately as further activity will only aggravate the injury causing further harm.
To prevent further injury is the first order of business as soon as you notice signs of an injury. Stop activity immediately as further activity will only aggravate the injury causing further harm. Soft tissue injuries can swell, possibly from bleeding under the tissue. Soft tissue injuries include bruises, tears, and strains. The swelling will cause loss of motion and pain, so it is important to treat immediately. Any serious injury requires a doctor's care. It is important to seek medical attention for proper healing. Home Treatment: R.I.C.E. is a method used to treat mild sports injuries at home. R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and elevation. This method relieves pain, is used to reduce swelling, and should speed healing of most sports injuries. You must use this method immediately after sustaining a sports injury and for 48 hours after the injury. Rest: Stay off of an injured ankle, foot or knee and use a crutch if necessary. Ice: Ice an injured area for 20 minutes, four to eight times a day. Use a cold pack or ice bag on the injured area. You can make an ice pack by placing crushed ice into a plastic bag and then wrapping that in a towel. Leaving an ice pack on for longer than 20 minutes can lead to cold injury. Protect your skin while using an ice pack, by placing a cloth between your skin and the pack.
Compression: Place pressure on the injured area in order to reduce swelling, this is what is meant by compression. Elastic wraps are specially made for this. You can also use a special boot, an air cast, or a splint to put pressure on an injury. Elevate: Raising the injured area on a pillow, at least level with your heart. This will reduce swelling of the injured area. When to use ice: Ice is used for acute injuries (injuries sustained within the last 48 hours). Ice packs help to reduce swelling which in turn reduces the pain. Ice can also be used for chronic injuries such as overuse injuries commonly seen in athletes. Ice is used immediately after activity to help reduce the inflammation that often accompanies chronic injuries. Never put ice on a chronic injury BEFORE activity. When to use heat: Heat can relax and loosen tissues as well as to stimulate blood flow to a chronically injured area. Injuries from overuse can be treated with heat before activity. Do NOT use heat on chronic injuries after activity.
Do not use heat after an acute injury. When it is proper to heat an injured area, use a heating pad, or hot, wet towel. Be very careful when using a heating pad to monitor the injured area to prevent heat burns. Never leave a heating pad on for extended periods of time like when you are sleeping. Sports Injury News
02/07/2012 |
