Sports Medicine
Sports injuries occur when playing indoor or outdoor sports or while exercising. They can result from accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises. The most common sports injuries are sprains and strains, fractures and dislocations.
The most common treatment recommended for injury is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).
- Rest:Avoid activities that may cause injury. Place the arm in a sling.
- Ice:Ice packs can be applied to the injured area, which will help reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel on the affected area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, for several days. Never place ice directly over the skin.
- Compression:Compression of the injured area also helps reduce swelling. Elastic wraps, crepe bandage and splints can accomplish this.
- Elevation:Elevate the injured part above your heart level to reduce swelling and pain.
Some of the measures that are followed to prevent sports-related injuries include:
- Follow an exercise program to strengthen the muscles.
- Gradually increase your exercise level and avoid overdoing the exercise. 10% per week is a good aim.
- Ensure that you wear properly-fitted protective gear
- Warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after the sports activity. Exercises will help stretch muscles, increase flexibility and reduce soft tissue injuries.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Avoid playing when you are injured or tired. Take a break for some time after playing.
- Ensure that you are physically fit, before you play the sport.
Some of the common sports injuries include:
Shoulder injuries
Severe pain in your shoulders while playing your favourite sport, such as football, tennis, basketball and gymnastics, may be caused by a torn ligament or dislocation of the shoulder joint. These may result from overuse of your shoulder while playing sports. Xrays and scans are often required. Simple pain from sprains may be treated with conservative treatment while tears and dislocations may require surgical treatment. Read More