Acting quickly after a sports injury is not only important for relieving pain and suffering, it also helps to prevent long-term complications from arising, as well as speeding up the athlete's recovery.
Thus, knowing which accidents are most common in sports and what to do in each scenario is very important for anyone who practices or is constantly in contact with someone who does sports.
The activities that are most at risk of causing a sports injury are those with the greatest impact, such as football, handball or rugby.
1. Sprain
Sprain happens when you put your foot in the wrong way, so it is relatively common when you are running, for example. During the sprain, what happens is that the ankle twists in an exaggerated way, causing the ligaments in the region to stretch in excess, and may eventually break.
This type of injury causes very severe pain in the area, leads to the development of excessive swelling of the ankle and, thus, the person may have difficulty walking. These symptoms usually improve in a few days, but if they remain or get worse, it is recommended to go to the hospital.
What to do: The first thing to do is to apply a cold compress over the area, to try to control the swelling and reduce the pain. The cold must be applied several times in the first 48 hours, for 15 to 20 minutes. In addition, the foot should also be immobilized with an elastic bandage and maintained until the symptoms improve, ideally with the foot elevated. See more details on how to treat sprain at home.
2. Muscle strain
Muscle strain, or stretching, arises when the muscle is stretched excessively, causing the rupture of some muscle fibers, especially at the joint between the muscle and the tendon. In addition, the strain is more common in people who are preparing for an important championship or match, it already occurs especially during or after major physical efforts.
Stretching can also happen in older people or in people who have repetitive movements and usually suffer from tendonitis.
What to do: apply ice to the pain site for 15 to 20 minutes, every two hours, for the first 2 days. In addition, the limb must be immobilized and elevated above the level of the heart. See more about treating muscle strain.
3. Knee twist
Knee sprain is another of the most frequent sports injuries, which happens due to a blow to the knee or any more sudden movement that causes an excessive stretching of the knee ligaments.
In these cases, symptoms include severe knee pain, swelling and difficulty bending the knee or supporting the weight of the body on the leg. In addition, if the blow is too strong, there may even be a rupture of the ligaments, which can cause a small crack in the knee.
What to do: It is very important to avoid putting weight on the affected knee and, therefore, the person should rest with the leg elevated. In addition, the application of cold compresses is also very important, and should be applied for up to 20 minutes every 2 hours during the first 48 hours. In cases of very severe pain it is important to consult the doctor, to assess if there is a rupture of the ligaments and to start the appropriate treatment, which can be done only with pain relievers or even need surgery.
Understand better why knee sprain occurs and what treatments may be needed.
4. Dislocation
Dislocation happens when a bone moves out of the joint due to a strong blow or fall, causing severe joint pain, swelling and difficulty in moving the affected limb. Dislocations are more frequent in children and can happen anywhere, especially on the shoulder, elbow, toe, knee, ankle and foot.
What to do: The first step is to try to immobilize the limb in a comfortable position. For this, a tipole can be used, for example, preventing the joint from moving. Then, ice should be applied to the joint site to avoid swelling and call an ambulance, calling 192, or going to the hospital, so that the bone is returned to its original position.
In no case should you try to place the bone in the joint without the presence of a health professional, as it can cause tendon injuries. See more details about the dislocation and what to do.
5. Fracture
The fracture happens when there is a discontinuity on the surface of a bone. Although most fractures are easy to identify, as it is common for pain to accompany swelling and deformation of the affected limb, some, known as incomplete, are more difficult to perceive and can cause only pain over a bone site.
Check how to correctly identify the signs and symptoms of fracture.
What to do: Whenever a fracture is suspected, it is very important to immobilize the affected limb and go to the hospital to do an X-ray and start the appropriate treatment, which almost always includes staying with the limb in a cast.
When to go to the doctor
After any type of sports injury it is very important to see a doctor, especially if the symptoms do not improve after 48 hours or if there is some kind of limitation or disability. That way, the doctor will be able to make a detailed physical evaluation, order exams like the X-ray and start the appropriate treatment, if necessary.
In addition, even if a specific treatment is not necessary, the doctor may also prescribe the use of anti-inflammatories or analgesics, to relieve symptoms and speed recovery.
