Did you know that sport-related injuries are one of the most common reasons for doctor’s visits? In the United States, there are more than 3.5 million injuries every year, the most common being ankle sprains, shin splints, and ACL tears.
These are frequently seen in those who play contact sports such as football, hockey, and rugby.
Did you recently get hurt while playing a game? Want to learn about the proper treatment for injuries? If so, you’re on the right page.
We’ll be going over everything that you need to know below. Keep reading to learn more!
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains should be treated with the RICE method.
Rest: Rest the injured area. Take a break from moving so that it can heal—this is especially important in the first few hours as it’ll be vulnerable to further injury.
Ice: Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Avoid placing it directly on your bare skin. Instead, wrap the ice pack in a towel or thin cloth. Not only will it relieve pain, but it’ll also limit inflammation by narrowing the blood vessels.
Compression: Wrap the injured body part with an elastic wrap or bandage. That will minimize swelling by preventing the buildup of fluid. Keep in mind, however, that it shouldn’t be so tight that it causes discomfort.
Elevation: Raise the injured body part so that it’s above heart level. That way, fluid will be able to drain away from the area, minimizing swelling.
Consider seeing a sports injury specialist if symptoms don’t improve after a few days.
Cuts and Abrasions
Wash the cut with soap and water for five minutes. Make sure not to scrub the area as that can traumatize the site further. Remove any debris with a pair of tweezers (cleaned with alcohol).
Dry the area with a clean towel afterward and apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. If necessary, you can cover the wound with a bandage or gauze.
Seek immediate medical care if you have a deep cut and can’t control the bleeding. You may need stitches—it’ll help close the wound and prevent infection.
Concussions
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a jolt or bump to the head. Call 911 right away if the person starts behaving abnormally, develops a severe headache, has pupils of unequal sizes, vomits more than once, or loses consciousness.
In the meantime, check their airway, breathing, and circulation—start CPR if necessary. If there’s bleeding, stop it by applying pressure to the wound with a clean cloth.
The Proper Treatment For Injuries
And there you have it—a short guide on the proper treatment for injuries sustained when playing sports. Remember, the sooner you treat an injury, the sooner you can get back in the game.
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