As athletes, we're faced with
the potential for several injuries. From minor bumps and bruises, to
broken fingers and torn ACL's. It's part of the game, the part we
hate. It's important that you consult with a physician as soon as you
feel that things aren't right. It doesn't matter what level you play,
injuries can happen and we wanted to give you an idea of what are some of
the most common injuries and how to deal with them and how to prevent them.
Keep in mind, there are hundreds
of different injuries you can get. We've put together a short list of
the most common.
Concussions
Depending on the sport you're
playing, you have a higher or lower likelihood of getting a concussion.
In scientific terms, a concussion is an injury to the brain that is usually
the result of a blow to the head. Symptoms include disorientation, vision
disturbance, headache, dizziness, amnesia, loss of balance, difficulty
concentrating, and nausea. A concussion does not necessarily involve a loss
of consciousness. Concussions are most common in contact sports, such as
football, boxing, hockey, and soccer. However, they also occur in sports
like skiing and gymnastics. While most people return to normal a few weeks
or months after a concussion, multiple concussions can cause permanent
damage.
The best way to prevent a
concussion is simple, don't play contact sports. Easier said than
done. If you do incur a concussion, the best treatment is rest.
Stay away from any strenuous activity and do not play any sports until you
are fully recovered, no more headaches, dizziness or nausea.
A muscle strain,
also called a pulled muscle, occurs when a muscle is
stretched too far, and small tears occur within the muscle.
Muscle strain injuries are graded by severity:
Grade
I: Mild discomfort, often no disability. Usually
does not limit activity.
Grade
II: Moderate discomfort, can limit ability to
perform high level activities. May have moderate
swelling and bruising associated.
Grade
III: Severe injury that can cause significant pain.
Often patients complain of muscle spasm, swelling, and
significant bruising.
See below for treatment:
Rest:
Rest is recommended for the early recovery phase,
lasting 1 to 5 days depending on the severity of the
injury. Immobilization is not usually necessary, and can
be potentially harmful. Immobilization in a splint or
cast should be carefully supervised by your doctor, as
this can lead to stiffness of the muscle.
Ice:
Ice application helps reduce swelling, bleeding, and
pain. Ice application should begin as soon as possible
after sustaining a muscle pull. Ice applications can be
done frequently, but should not be done for more than 15
minutes at a time.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications:
Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling
and alleviate painful symptoms. These medications do
have potential side effects, and you should check with
your doctor prior to starting anti-inflammatory
medications.
Gentle Stretching:
Stretching and strengthening are useful in treatment and
prevention of muscle strain injuries. Muscles that are
stronger and more flexible are less likely to be
injured.
Strengthening:
After injuring the muscle, it is important to regain
strength before returning to athletic activities. Both
the injury itself and the rest period following the
injury can reduce the strength of the muscle. Stronger
muscles are less likely to sustain a re-injury.
Heat
Applications:
Laboratory studies have shown that temperature can
influence the stiffness of a muscle. By keeping the body
and muscles warm, the muscle is less likely to sustain a
strain type of injury.
Avoid
Muscle Fatigue:
Muscles help absorb energy, and restoring the strength
of the muscle will help prevent re-injury. Muscles that
are fatigued are more likely to be injured. Athletes
should use caution, especially as they become fatigued,
as the muscle becomes more susceptible to strain
injuries.
Warm-Up Properly:
Warming up prior to athletic competition or sports will
help loosen the muscle and prevent injuries. Jumping
into a sport with stiff muscles can lead to a higher
chance of straining the muscle.
Sources:
Mair S, et al. The role of
fatigue in susceptibility to acute muscle strain injury.
Am J Sports Med 1996,24:137-43.
