Sports First Aid: Treating Common Sports Injuries

It is very common for professional athletes to get injured during a sports event, thus the need to know some basic sports first aid. There are different sports that associate two common types of injuries –the sprain and the strain. Whether contact sport, power sport, endurance sport, racquet sport, water sport, or running sport, sprain and strain injuries often become the outcome of repeated movements and pressure. So what does a sports first aid involve for these types of injuries?

The very first thing that one can do to stop further damaging the injured muscles or ligaments, is to stop what they’re doing. Some athletes still insist on finishing up the competition despite the injury, and this usually leads to greater risks of long-term damage. Next, follow these sports first aid steps:

Sprain

Sprain happens when the ligament is violently stretched. This would include pain, swelling, joint bruising, or tenderness. Sprain often occurs in the knees, ankles, or the feet’s arches. Sprained ligaments are painful and swell fast. Usually, the more severe the sprain is, the greater the pain. Minor sprains can be treated with P.R.I.C.E – protect injured limb, rest it, ice the injury, compress the area, and elevate the injured limb.

However, one should call for emergency medical assistance once a popping sound was heard when the joint got injured, or the joint is not functioning. This can mean that the ligament was totally torn apart. Apply cold pack while waiting for emergency unit to arrive.

Strain

Strain happens when there’s an injury to the tendon or muscle. This would pain when one moves or stretches the affected muscles. The amount of local bleeding in the muscles or swelling needs to be managed early through applying packs of ice and keeping the strained muscles in stretched position. One can also apply heat when swelling lessens. However, early heat application can worsen pain and swelling.

Let the person take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin for reducing pain and improving their ability to move around. Protect the injured muscle from any more injury. After first aid has been done to the injured muscle, self-care at home can be performed through the R.IC.E method –rest, ice, compression, and elevate.

There are other injuries in sports that will need sports first aid, so if you’re a parent, a teacher, a coach, or a trainer of athletes, be sure to equip yourself with the basic knowledge of sports first aid. Providing sports first aid early will prevent further risks.