Participation in sports activities is increasing as it is an enjoyable way to burn extra calories to get rid of excess fat and lose weight but it also results to injuries. Some of the causes of sports injury are:
• Using poor improper equipment
• Accidents
• Poor training practices
• Going beyond the body’s limits
• Not in good enough shape to participate in these activities
• Not warming up properly
Some of the most common sports injuries are cuts, blisters, sprains, minor head injuries, swollen muscles, fractures, concussions and dislocations.
While it is impossible to prevent every sports injury, the risk of sports injury can be reduced by taking appropriate actions which may include:
1. Be in good physical condition and there should be sufficient training for the sport.
2. Be sure to wear proper protective equipment like helmets, mouth guards, gloves, protective guards and other equipment. These safety gears will make you safe and prevent sports injury.
3. Rest. Over-fatigued athletes have a higher percentage of having a sports injury.
4. Make sure to warm up before playing. It is important for the prevention of a sports injury to have proper warm up. The warm up would depend on the sport being engaged.
5. Do not play when in pain or when very tired. This could lead to carelessness which can culminate to a sports injury. Pain is an indication of a problem and should not be ignored.
A sports injury can be treated using the RICE technique: R=Rest, I=Ice, C=Compression and E=Elevation which is effective in reduce pain and swelling and will hasten the healing process. Other treatment might include taking pain relievers.
Medical treatment should be sought if the sports injury results to severe pain, inflammation or numbness; putting on weight on the injured area cannot be tolerated and causes joint abnormality or instability. The RICE technique is the starting point of the treatment. Another common treatment is mobilization which aims to reduce pain, muscle spasm and swelling. For a more serious sports injury, such as a broken bone or severely damaged cartilage, surgery might be required to repair the injury.
Coping and rehabilitation from a sports injury will require physical therapy to regain strength, restore mobility and the function of the injured part. Physical therapists in Ridley Park, Philadelphia are experts in this field.
