When you’ve been injured on the field, timing is everything. No one likes having to sit out of the action, and a poorly diagnosed or treated sports injury can keep you out for an entire season. The first critical step towards a speedy recovery is choosing the right type of doctor. A general practitioner may be able to treat a lot of things, but sports injuries are often handled better by an orthopaedic doctor. When you get injured on the field or court, the following tips can help slow the progression of the injury until you can be seen by a specialist.
Stop When the Pain Starts
A lot of people have the misconception that you always have to push through pain. There are very few times when pain is not an indication to stop an activity (such as during child birth or some physical therapies). If you are playing a sport, be it rugby, football, or even golf, if something starts to hurt, take it as sign that your body needs you to stop. Often times, sports-related injuries are due to soft tissues (muscle and tendons) being strained, sprained, or torn. Once damaged, inflammation can set in and the worse it gets, the more potential there is for further damage. Continued movement or use of the injured joint or soft tissue can greatly increase inflammation.
Rest and Elevate
Many minor injuries can be treated at home by simply resting the injured area. When it happens to a joint, such as the wrist, shoulder, ankle, or knee, keeping it stable and elevated when resting can help encourage proper blood flow and reduce swelling. However, if resting and elevating causes increased pain, seek medical help as soon as possible. Never extend a joint or limb if it hurts to do so, find a position that is comfortable for the joint.
Hot/Cold Therapy
For sports and any joint or muscle injury, the rule of thumb is first cold, then heat. Initially, using cold therapy can help reduce the inflammation and stop further damage. Applying cold for 20-30 minutes, two to three times a day, can really help in the first 24-48 hours of injury. Heat therapy (heating pads or thermal gel pads), can sometimes help after the initial period and is applied in the same measures as cold. Heat is better to increase circulation and relieve stiffness. For the best regimen, you should consult with your general practitioner or orthopaedic doctor, since each injury is unique.
Do you have sport injuries and need a good specialist? Contact the staff at Suburban Orthopaedics today! They treat both old and new injuries, and can help get you back in the game. You can also connect with them on Facebook for more updates!
