What Are Sports Injuries?
Sport injuries are injuries that most commonly occur during sports or exercise and involve the musculoskeletal system. Some sport injuries may result from accidents, while others can be due to poor training practices, improper equipment, lack of conditioning, or insufficient warm-ups.
The most common types of sport injuries are sprains and strains, knee injuries, compartment syndrome, shin splints, Achilles tendon injuries, fractures and dislocations. These are all described in better detail in our sub groups.
Home Treatments:
If you do not have an injury that needs to be sought out by a doctor, then some at home treatments include:
- Rest- Try to stay off the injury as much as possible by reducing your regular exercise regimens and daily activities.
- Ice- Apply ice to the area for 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day. Do not apply directly to skin, use a towel, to prevent frostbite or cold injuries.
- Compression- Apply compression to the injured site to help reduce any swelling that may occur. This can be done using elastic wraps, air casts or splints. It would be best to come in for an appointment if there is any swelling to ensure you are using the correct compression method for your injury.
- Elevation- Injuries should always be elevated above heart level to help decrease swelling.
Remember: R.I.C.E.
When should you seek medical treatment?
Call our office for an appointment if your injury causes severe pain, swelling or numbness or if it’s preventing you from performing your normal daily activities comfortably.
Medical Treatments:
- Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Immobilization using a splint, brace, cast or boot
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Rest
When you have pain from a particular movement or activity, STOP! Continuing the activity only causes further harm.
Read more on common sport related injuries:
