Types of sports injuries and treatments
Concussion - caused by violent impacts to the head and is common in combat sports such as boxing but also in contact sports such as rugby union. Concussion often follows an impact that causes a loss of consciousness. Medical treatment should always be sought after a significant head impact and patients should be monitored for a change in condition for a number of days.
Fractures - broken bones caused by impact, twisting or repetitive stress of the bone. Fractures are very painful and sometimes require surgery to ensure the bone is correctly aligned. Urgent medical treatment must be sought whenever a broken bone is suspected.
Dislocation - joint injuries that occur when the bones meeting at the joint are dislodged through impact, twisting or a pre-existing weakness in that area.
Sprain - damage to a Tough material joining two bones together. that crosses a joint. Ligaments can be damaged by moving the joint beyond its typical range of motion or through over-use of the joint. Sprains are treated using the A mnemonic for the four elements of treatment for an injury - Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. method.
Overuse injuries - caused due to repetitive actions or poor technique. Examples include An injury to the muscles you use to extend your wrist and turn your palm upward and the tendon attached to the elbow joint. A backhand stroke in tennis uses this motion. or An injury to the muscles and tendons that bend the wrist. During a game, golfers need to bend their wrist to hit the ball. as well as stress fractures. If the principle of rest and recovery is applied effectively during training then overuse injuries should not occur.
Abrasions - damage to the skin caused by impacts and collisions. Abrasions are initially treated by compressing the affected area.
Torn cartilage - one of the most common serious injuries in dynamic sports such as games. A strong, flexible type of connective tissue. It forms C-shaped rings in the trachea that keep the airway open. lines the end of bones and can be damaged through twisting actions. Cartilage has no blood supply so it cannot heal itself. Therefore damaged cartilage is normally removed by a surgical procedure.
The RICE method
Many sporting injuries can be initially treated following the RICE method. This method is most effective with soft tissue injuries or injuries where swelling is likely to occur.
The RICE method helps to reduce swelling and can ease pain.
