Sports Injuries

Acute sports injury occurs due to sudden. Fall, trauma or collision. Common acute injuries are Ligament tear, muscle sprain/Strain, Ankle/Wrist sprain, joint dislocation, fractures, bruise, abrasions, etc.
R.I.C.E. : Immediate after injury, for primary care or firat aid one must have to follow RICE protocol.

• REST : Rest and protect the injured area. Stop and take a break from any activity that may be causing pain or soreness.
• ICE : Cold will reduce pain & swelling. Apply ice or cold pack right away to prevent or minimize swelling. After 48 or 72 hours if swelling is gone, apply heat to the area ice or heat directly to skin, place a towel before applying it to the skin. Apply if for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
• Compression : Applying compression or wrapping the injured area with elastic bandage will help decrease swelling. Don’t wrap it too tightly, because this can cause more swelling below the injured area.
• Elevation : Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimizing swelling.

Definitive Management :

• Consult sports injury specialist as early as possible.
• Diagnosis is made by doing examination, x-rays, MRI or CT Scan.
• Most of the sports injuries treated nonsurgically by simple immobilization, braces, strapping, cast and rest.
• Severe injuries like major ligament tear or fractures require surgery.