Sports injuries result from exercising or athletic activities. These injuries can occur when an accident occurs during training or exercise, when inadequate equipment is available, or when a body part is overused and overstressed during sports or exercise.
What are sports injuries?
Sports injuries can be minor, or serious. Serious injuries can cause lifelong medical problems, or even disability. These injuries are caused due to acute trauma or stress linked with athletic exercises.
Sports injuries can damage soft tissues like tendons or ligaments. They can also injure bones, or even internal organs. In the case of acute injury, it is best to get examined by a medical professional to rule out the possibility of any major problem.
Types of sports injuries
Sprains
Sprains are caused when the ligaments are broken, torn, or stretched. Ligaments are strong fibrous structures that connect bones together. Sprains are most common in the ankle or around the knee area.
Strains
Muscle strains are usually caused when then the muscle tendon tissue is torn or overstretched. Strains are common during sports, especially when running or jumping is involved. To avoid muscle strains, it is important to warm up appropriately and wear suitable footwear.
Fractures
Fractures occur when a bone is broken due to an injury, accident, or sports. It can occur in people of all ages, but fractures tend to heal faster in young people than in older people.
Dislocation
When bones are dislocated, the ends of the bones are displaced from their original location resulting in severe pain. Dislocation can result from an accident, running, or falling from a height. Dislocation of the shoulder is common among adults in specific sports such as football.
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Treatment
“RICE” treatment is a popular and common method of treatment for sports injuries like sprains, strains, or fractures. Rice is an abbreviation of:
- Rest: Rest the affected area and avoid any movement that can further exacerbate the injury.
- Ice: Applying ice to the injury can minimize swelling and reduce pain. Place an ice pack on the affected area for 10-20 minutes to get better results. Do not place ice directly on skin – put a towel or cloth between the ice and skin to avoid skin injury.
- Compression: Covering the injured area with a wrap will reduce the swelling. Do not wrap the area tightly as it can disrupt the blood flow and cause more pain and swelling.
- Elevation: the injured body part should be kept at an elevated position to minimize swelling.
Apart from “RICE” treatment, a medical health professional may prescribe analgesics or topical creams which will help in reducing swelling and pain.
Sports Injuries Cost
The total cost of sports injuries varies greatly depending on a variety of criteria. Price is dependent on factors such as medical examination fees and type of injuries and treatments required. Please contact our office for more information.
Contact us
In case of urgent medical care assistance, AfterOurs Urgent Care offers immediate telemedicine services, where medical providers are available to offer assistance. Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms requiring urgent medical attention can simply book their appointment with AfterOurs Urgent Care to directly talk to an expert. If your medical issue is not appropriate for telemedicine, we will let you know and refer you to an in-person facility.
When to visit a doctor:
If you had an injury while playing sports or exercising, you should see a medical provider in order to avoid possible serious complications.
Treatment regarding sports injuries is available at AfterOurs Urgent Care.