Sports Injuries

These are the ones sustained during a competitive or non-competitive athletic activity. These can affect bones or soft tissues like Muscles, Ligaments and tendons.

These are caused by overuse, direct impact or due to a sudden force onto a body part beyond which it can withstand.

Ankle sprain is one of the most common injury
Bruises,
Concussion – reversible injury to head
Cuts and abrasions
Dental injury due to direct blow
Groin strain
Hamstring pull
Knee joint injuries like ligament tear, cartilage damage or fractures
Nose injury
Stress fractures- mainly in foot and leg

Falls, high speed collision with players or side boards, wear and tear of areas that are subjected to repeated stress.

Pain and swelling in the injured part
Weakness or inability to use that muscle
Instability of the joint while using it.

Immediately after an injury- RICE
R- Rest, stop using the injured part
I- Ice- reduces swelling, contracts the blood vessels and stops bleeding from the injured blood vessels
C- Compression- hastens being time by reducing swelling. Should be firm with an elastic bandage, applied not too tight or too loose
E- Elevation- elevate the injured part above the level of heart. decreases pain and swelling

Treat the underlying pathology either by prolonged rest or if indicated Surgical treatment should not be delayed.

Cold therapy or cryotherapy is applying ice or cold to the injury, often the immediate first aid applied in sports injuries.
When applied immediately it helps in-
-reducing the pain by numbing the nerves,
-reduces swelling the decreasing the inflamation, -prevent further bleeding by contracting the blood vessels,
-reduces muscle spasm and
-reduces cell death by slowing down the metabolic rate.

Heat therapy or thermotherapy is application of heat to the body for pain relief and health.
Beneficial to those with Arthritis and stiff muscles and injuries to deep tissue of skin.
Commonly used for REHABILITATION purposes.
Heat therapy therapeutic effects include – Increasing the extensibility of collagen tissues, decreasing joint stiffness, reducing pain, relieving muscle spasm, increasing blood flow providing proteins nutrients and oxygen for better healing

Exercise therapy is a means of hastening the patients recovery from injuries which have altered his normal way of living. This is a larger topic about which I will write up in further time.

Never have massage when you are ill, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, injured, had recent surgery, not a good idea in people with heart attack or serious back problems
Massage on a regular basis helps in reducing anxiety, lower blood pressure, relieve migraines.

Common causes of sports injuries and how to avoid them are1.Incorrect techniques- avoid this by seeking a professional help2.Overuse injuries- avoid by allowing your body to recover fully between training sessions and simply not to overdo it3.Not stretching up and warming up- always warm up and stretch before you train4.ILL fitting shoes – wear trainers that fit well and are new enough to absorb the impact of movement5.Faulty equipment- join a quality gym and check with staff about the equipment.