Sports injuries can occur for a number of different reasons. We as humans enjoy pushing ourselves to new limits by setting new records. going an extra mile, lifting an extra pound, or even getting the perfect pirouette. While we do this, though, it isn’t odd for us to also accumulate injuries. Acute and chronic sport injuries can and do happen often, which is why it’s important to be aware of them. Sports injuries can be occurred by anyone, doing any form of physical activity. These injuries should be treated and cared for to avoid irreparable damage.
Things of the Acute
Acute and chronic sport injuries are completely different and have to be managed in their own way. Acute injuries are sudden. They can be caused by both outside sources, like getting hit by another player, having something fall on you, or jamming from a ball, or they can be caused by us when we twist wrong, fall, or put too much pressure on our bones. These injuries normally become swollen, bruised, and have consistent pain. It’s possible to also lose function of the area, especially when it’s affected a joint.
Acute injuries are often seen in children and teens. Younger children don’t have as much muscle built up which makes their bones more susceptible to injuries. Twelve and under tend to be injuries in the ankles, elbows, knees, and wrists. Teens tend to have sprains and fractures in the ankle, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, dislocated shoulders, dislocated kneecaps, and collarbone fractures. Older athletes have stronger bones, and thusly joints and ligaments tend to become more injury-prone.
Treating Acute Injuries
R.I.C.E is the most common method of treating acute injuries.
R. Rest. Whatever you’re doing, stop. Don’t perform the workout or sport until you have been seen by a professional who can evaluate the injury and clear you to continue.
I. Ice it. Ice helps with pain and swelling. Apply the ice for twenty-minute intervals, 6–8 times per day.
C. Compress. Wrap the area in an ace bandage to help with swelling or put it in a splint to keep it from moving around.
E. Elevate. The injured area should be elevated 6–10 inches above the heart. This should be done a few hours per day.
The Long-Term, Chronic Injuries
Unlike the quickness of an acute injury, chronic injuries happen over time. Think of instances like arthritis, tennis elbow, tendonitis, and runner’s knee. They are usually the result of overuse or continued stress on joints or growth plates. Children can very easily develop chronic sports injuries as they learn new skills in little leagues and dance classes. When gaining new skills, in both children and adults, it’s important to start slow and adjust movements as needed. Don’t overwork new areas and keep checking for soreness in joints.
Treating Chronic Injuries
Chronic injuries are often harder to treat and will most likely require a constant corrector. Depending on the level of injury, you may be able to treat injuries yourself, or a doctor may suggest something more intense such as physical therapy to get you back where you need to be.
Wraps, Compresses, Tapes, and Stabilizers
Over the counter braces or tape are usually an excellent support to help problem areas. This can be as simple as an ace bandage, or you can research and find braces and compressive sleeves for all type of injuries.
Ice and Heat
Both warm and cool temperatures can help and be rotated to aid in inflammation in joints and sore, tired muscles. Unlike I acute injuries, for chronic you want to apply heat. The heat acts as a soother and will relax the overworked muscles or sore joints. You can ice a chronic injury if it flares up suddenly, however, it’s important to only ice as needed.
Functional Training
Functional training can be used to build strength around the chronic area for better support and help the overall stability of the action. If you are thinking functional training might be your next step in treating your chronic injury, speak with your doctor before starting any new methods.
Acute and chronic sport injuries can be managed as long as you ease into new routines and make sure you have already built up the muscle areas to avoid a sudden injury. Acute injuries can happen easily, especially in contact sports, so pay attention to those injuries and don’t allow them to go untreated. It is never a bad idea to speak to your doctor or a recommended sports physician for your pains.
