How Best To Recover From Common Sports Injuries
Sports are an excellent way to keep fit, but when they go wrong, it can lead to unpleasant injuries. These injuries could be anything from cuts and bruises to life-altering injuries. It’s important to know how to take care of yourself after you’ve been injured while playing sports.
If you have been hurt, seek professional advice from your doctor, a physical therapist, or a sports masseuse. They can advise you on the correct, safe care or rehab, from painkillers to medical exoskeletons.
CTE
CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, which is most common in those who have a history of brain trauma, such as concussion. CTE is not uncommon in athletes, especially boxers and football players. Symptoms can include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgement, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, anxiety, parkinsonism, and even progressive dementia.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CTE, although the symptoms can be treated individually.
Ankle Sprain
This is one of the most common injuries in sports. Sprains happen when the foot rolls inwards causing the ligaments outside of the ankle to become stretched or torn.
If you sprain your ankle, it's best to exercise gently to prevent your ankle from losing too much flexibility and strength. Gentle exercise can also help reduce the risk of getting the same injury again. If the injury is serious, contact these jacksonville orthopedic doctors (or a similar office in your local area) to get expert treatment for your ankle sprains, as well as other sports injuries.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are pains that are felt down the front of the lower leg. Shin splints usually happen after running, often at the start of a difficult or intense training program. Long runs on paved roads are a classic cause of this injury.
To deal with shin splints, rest and ice the painful area. The pain can also be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. If the pain is still bad after you have allowed yourself to rest, you might have a stress fracture, which is a small break in the shin bone. See a doctor if the pain doesn’t fade.
ACL Tear
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is what holds the leg bone to the knee. Being hit from the side or a sudden stop can cause the ACL to strain or tear. You might hear a popping sound when the tear occurs.
If you think you have an ACL injury, see your doctor or go to an orthopedic urgent care straight away, as these tears can be severe and can require surgery.
Tennis Elbow
Repetitive use of the elbow, like playing tennis or golf, can cause irritation or tiny tears in the tendons. Tennis elbow is most common in players aged between 30 and 60. The best way to treat it is to take a break from your sport until the pain is gone.
Most sports injuries can be managed easily. Protect the area from further injuries. Minimise activity to prevent the injury from becoming worse. Apply ice after an injury to reduce inflammation. Ice for 20 minutes every one or two hours for the first 48 hours after the injury. Don’t use heat as this can encourages swelling. Compress with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling. Elevate the area above the heart to reduce swelling further.
