First Aid for Injuries (Sport Injuries)

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The heightened interest in fitness and athletics has resulted in a marked increase in sports related injuries. Sports injuries are commonly caused by overuse, direct impact, or the application of force that is greater than the body part can structurally withstand. There are two kinds of sports injuries: acute and chronic. An injury that occurs suddenly, such as a sprained ankle caused by an awkward landing, is known as an acute injury.

Chronic injuries are caused by overuse of joints. Poor structural abnormalities can also contribute to the development of chronic injuries. Medical investigation of any sports injury is important, because you may be hurt more severely than you think. For example, what seems like an ankle sprain may actually be a bone fracture. The range of these injuries can be grouped into the following:

Types of Sports Injuries

• Ankle sprain – symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness.  if your ankle gets swollen and painful after you twist it, you have most likely sprained it. This means you have stretched and possibly torn the ligaments in your ankle.
• Bruises – a blow can cause small bleeds into the skin.
• Concussion – mild reversible brain injury from a blow to the head, which may be associated with loss of consciousness. Symptoms include headache, dizziness and short term memory loss.
• Specific Organ Injuries- these include injuries to the eyes (example : when hit by a ball ) ruptures spleen due to kick in the abdomen and decompression illness among scuba divers.  Internal organ injuries are sometimes difficult to diagnose, so any discomfort or pain in the body after.
• Cuts and abrasions – are usually caused by falls. The knees and hands are particularly prone.
• Dehydration – losing too much fluid can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Dental damage or tooth injuries – a blow to the jaw can crack, break or dislodge teeth. Tooth fractures may be minor, which involves the chipping of the outer tooth layers, enamel and dentin, or severe involving fractures of the root.
• Head Injury
• Groin strain – symptoms include pain and swelling.
• Hamstring strain – symptoms include pain, swelling and bruising.
• Knee joint injuries – symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness. The ligaments, tendons or cartilage can be affected.
• Nose injuries – either blood nose or broken nose, are caused by a direct blow.
• Stress fractures – particularly in the lower limbs. The impact of repeated jumping or running on hard surfaces can eventually stress and crack bone.

Things you can do:

• Rest – keep the injured area supported and avoid using for 48-72 hours.
• No Massage – massage increases swelling and bleeding, also delaying healing.
• Compression – apply firm elastic bandage in the area, extending above and below the painful area
• Ice – apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes every two hours for the first 48-72 hours
• Referral – as soon as possible, see a qualified healthcare professional.
• No Alcohol – alcohol increases bleeding and swelling.
• Get help to Your doctor, Sports medicine clinic, Physiotherapist or Hospital emergency department
• No Heat – heat will increase bleeding.
• Elevation – raise the injured area above the level of the heart at all times.
• No Running – running or exercise increases blood flow, delaying healing.
• Always see your doctor if pain persists after a couple of days. What you may think is a straightforward sprain may actually be a fractured bone.
• Physiotherapy can help to rehabilitate the injured site and, depending on the injury, may include exercises to promote strength and flexibility
• You can maintain your fitness by choosing forms of exercise that don’t involve your injury; for example, ride a stationary bicycle while your sprained wrist is healing.

Prevention for Sports Injuries

• Warm up properly by gently going through the motions of your sport and performing slow, sustained stretches.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Use the appropriate safety equipment, such as mouth guards, helmets and pads.
• Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after the game.
• Allow satisfactory recovery time between sessions.
• Tape or strap vulnerable joints if necessary.
• Know road and weather conditions before any competition
• Cross-train with other sports to ensure overall fitness and muscle strength.
• Don’t exert yourself beyond your level of fitness. Gradually increase intensity and duration of training
• Ensure training includes appropriate speed and impact work so muscles are capable of the demands of a game situation.
• Have regular medical checkups.
• Use good form and technique.
• Cool down after sport with gentle, sustained stretches.

The following are the first aid primer that I need to share.  Take note of the ABC action that you’ll read below.

1. Check on the following when you approach is a seriously injured person
AIRWAY -  check if the victim’s airway is not blocked by the tongue, secretion or foreign body
BREATHING - check of the victim is breathing. If not, administer artificial respiration
CIRCULATION - Check on the victim has a pulse. If not, administer cardio pulmonary resuscitation
 2. Act fast! Early second counts.

 3. Don’t move  a person with serious injuries of the neck or back unless extreme necessary.

 4. Get someone to call an emergency an  ambulance and a doctor while you apply first aid.

 5. Don’t pull clothing away from burns.

 6. Remain calm and reassure the victim.

 7. Don’t force fluids on an unconscious or semi-conscious person. 

This video is about the Injury Management