3 Steps to Take After a Sports Injury

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, an estimated 8.6 million sports and recreational injuries occur in the US each year. You, or someone close to you, may have been a part of these statistics and understand the setbacks they bring. However, for those with a go-getter, never-back-down spirit, there’s good news!

Knowing the steps to take immediately after a sports injury can greatly reduce its severity, speed up recovery, and get you back in the game in no time.

In this article, we’ll provide you with practical steps and top-notch strategies that world-class sports medicine doctors recommend you undertake post-injury – it’s all about making the right move, right away.

Whether you’re aweekend warrior, an amateur athlete or a pro in your field, injuries are an unwelcome interruption. Why let a stumble freeze your steps, particularly when you can swerve, rectify, and sprint ahead? Let’s discuss the steps to take after a sports injury.

1.  IMMEDIATE RESPONSE: THE R.I.C.E PROTOCOL

When faced with a sports injury, the immediate response is important for effective recovery. The R.I.C.E protocol is a scientifically backed first aid response that includes:

  • Rest: Cease all activities and rest the affected area to avert further harm.
  • Ice: Apply ice for 20 minutes every two hours, reducing pain and swelling.
  • Compression: Use an elastic bandage for gentle pressure, aiding in swelling reduction and support.
  • Elevation: Keep the injured part elevated above heart level to help decrease swelling.

This protocol is a cornerstone in managing sports injuries, ensuring a foundation for a safer and quicker return to the activities we cherish.

2.  SEEK HELP FROM HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Seeking help from healthcare professionals is a necessary step after getting a sports injury. You may consider consulting with a:

  • Physical Therapist: They are experts in crafting specific exercises that not only aid in strengthening the injured area but also play an important role in preventing future injuries.
  • Sports Medicine Physician: A sports medicine physician offers a comprehensive assessment, guiding you through the nuances of your treatment and recovery journey.

This collaboration with healthcare experts is essential, as it brings a depth of expertise and personalized care, pivotal in navigating the path to a safe and successful return to the sports we passionately engage in.

3.  GET THE RIGHT TREATMENT

Getting the right treatment after a sports injury is essential because it helps you heal the right way. Think of it like fixing a broken bike – if you don’t fix it properly, it won’t work as well later. Treatment makes sure everything heals correctly, so you don’t have problems down the road. Plus, it can help you get back to your favorite sports faster and safer. Here are the different types of treatment for a sports injury:

  • Immobilization: This is often used for injuries like broken bones (fractures), severe sprains, or ligament injuries. For example, if you break your wrist while playing soccer, you might need a cast to keep it still while it heals.
  • Surgery: This is needed for more serious sports injuries, like a torn ACL (a knee ligament) often seen in football or basketball, or a severe shoulder dislocation in sports like swimming or gymnastics.
  • Rehabilitation: This is crucial for almost all types of sports injuries, from a simple ankle sprain to post-surgery recovery. It includes exercises and therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility. For instance, after surgery for a baseball pitcher’s elbow injury, rehab helps get their arm back in pitching shape.

TREATMENT FOR SPORTS INJURY IN BALTIMORE, MD

The road to recovery after a sports injury is a challenging process, but proper measures like immediate rest, application of ice, use of compression techniques, and elevating the injured area (R.I.C.E protocol) are pivotal in scientific-based first aid responses.

Consulting a physical therapist or a trained sports physician is also essential to get the proper diagnosis and treatment of your sports injury. Remember, nutrition also plays a critical role in facilitating recovery, with macronutrients such as proteins and micronutrients like vitamin C and zinc being particularly important for tissue repair and wound healing.

If have a sports injury, our specialized healthcare team at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland (OACM) in Baltimore offers a variety of services for sports injury treatment. From diagnostic testing to surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, you can experience individualized orthopedic care with us. Just call us at (410) 644-1880 or request a consultation through our online appointment form.