Injuries are, unfortunately, a natural part of sport. Whether you are playing hurling or soccer, netball or running you are at risk of an injury. Therefore it is important that if you are part of a sports club that you have all the necessary knowledge and materials to deal with some of the most common injuries that can occur in sports.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are the two most common injuries in sport. They are similar injuries but the difference is that strains involve damage to the muscle whereas sprains affect ligaments around the joint. These injuries usually involve pain or tenderness around the affected area and difficulty moving the injured part of the body. With these injuries you must follow the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Check out what we wrote about sprains and strains previously, for more information on recovery and when to seek further medical help.
Concussions
What is a Concussion?
A blow to the head or a sudden movement might result in a concussion or traumatic brain damage (TBI). The damage prevents proper brain function. Concussion symptoms can last for less than a day or for weeks or months.
A blow to the head can be a serious injury. When a player takes a knock to the head it is important to assess whether they may have sustained a concussion. Here are some of the symptoms of concussion to watch out for:
- A loss of consciousness, no matter how brief
- Vomiting
- Signs of confusion or drowsiness
If the player is showing any of these signs you must call the emergency services or bring them to an emergency department immediately. In the meantime, apply a cold compress to their head to help reduce swelling.
We are learning more and more about the long-term effects of concussion and how important it is to react quickly. Therefore you must always err on the side of caution when there is a head injury. It is also important that you do not leave the player unaccompanied and definitely don’t allow them to travel to the hospital themselves.
Fractures
What is a Fracture?
An incomplete or full break in the bone is known as a fracture. When a fracture occurs, it is either an open fracture or a closed fracture:
Open fracture (also called compound fracture): A serious wound may allow the bone to be seen poking through the skin and be visible.
Closed fracture (also called simple fracture): The skin is unharmed, but the bone is fractured.
A broken bone is a risk in any contact sport and requires immediate treatment. You will be able to tell if there is a fracture as there will be intense pain in the area of the injury and there may even be deformity or protruding bones. If a player has suffered a fracture you should follow these steps:
- Check if there are any open wounds and then apply dressing and secure with a bandage.
- Keep the injured person still and support the injured area to stop them from moving.
- Provide extra support for the injury by applying padding.
- Call the emergency services
Fractures have a variety of names. Here is a listing of the common types that may happen:
- Greenstick: This is an incomplete fracture. A portion of the bone is broken, causing the other side to bend.
- Transverse: The break is in a straight line across the bone.
- Spiral: The break spirals around the bone; common in a twisting injury.
- Oblique: The break is diagonal across the bone
- Compression: The bone is crushed. This causes the broken bone to be wider or flatter in appearance.
- Comminuted: The bone has broken into three or more pieces and fragments are present at the fracture site.
- Segmental: The same bone is fractured in two places, so there is a “floating” piece of bone.
Dislocations
What is Dislocation?
A joint is the location where two or more bones in the body connect. A dislocation happens when the bones in a joint separate or are forced out of place. Any body joint has the potential to dislocate. Subluxation describes a partial dislocation of the joint.
Dislocations can cause excruciating pain and make the damaged joint unstable or immovable (unable to move). Additionally, they can cause nearby tendons, muscles, and nerves to be strained or torn (tissue that connects the bones at a joint). For a dislocation, you should see a doctor.
There are 6 common places for joints to dislocate, these are:
- Finger
- Shoulder
- Knee
- Hip
- Elbow
- Jaw
A dislocation is brought on by trauma that knocks a joint out of place. This injury frequently results from slips and falls, football and other contact sports, and auto accidents.
Dislocations can also happen while performing daily tasks if the muscles and tendons that surround the joint are frail. Due to their weaker muscles and balance concerns, elderly individuals are more likely to get these injuries.
There are 6 frequent symptoms that are connected with a dislocated joint. Depending on the extent and location of the injury, dislocation symptoms can vary:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Instability of the joint
- Loss of ability to move joint
- Visibly deformed joint (bone looks out of place)
Achilles Tendon Injuries
What are Achilles Tendon Injuries?
A fibrous band of tissue called the Achilles tendon connects your leg muscles to your heel. For jumping, running, and walking, this tendon’s strength and flexibility are crucial. Your Achilles tendon can withstand a lot of pressure and stress from daily tasks as well as from athletic and recreational activities. Tendonitis results from the inflammation, swelling, and irritation of the tendon.
There are 2 main reasons for what cause Achilles tendon injuries, they are:
Tendonitis
Tendonitis may result from overuse or injury to the area. It may give you pain in your heel area and down the back of your leg. Due to tendonitis, you may observe that certain areas of your tendon are thickening and hardening. If you don’t seek treatment, this will get worse. Tendonitis can be of 2 primary types:
Achilles tendonitis without insertion: Your tendon begins to degrade due to tiny tears in the intermediate fibres. Pain and swelling result from this. Typically, young, energetic adults with this form of tendinitis are affected.
Insertional Achilles tendonitis: The area where your tendon connects with your heel bone is damaged. With this kind, bone spurs (additional bone growth) frequently develop. Even those who are not active can develop this kind of tendinitis at any age.
Rupture
A complete or partial break (or tear) in your tendon might result from the fibres in your tendon being torn. There can be a “pop” sound that sounds like it is coming from the back of your heel or calf. Possible tendon rupture necessitates prompt medical treatment.
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