Common Sports Injuries

     I have a pain in my neck, bad enough that few trips to the chiropractor are called for.  Pinched nerve or pulled muscles?  Not quite sure.  But, it means a few days of taking it easy so I can get back to my workouts.  This has brought to mind sports injuries in general.  When should you go to the doctor?  When should you just ice it.  When should you R.I.C.E. it?  How long will it take to heal?  Here are some answers. 

     Most common sports injuries can be prevented if we prepare ourselves properly for our "weekend warrior" activities.  This include taking time to properly warm the muscles up, then stretching.  Proper cool down and stretching is important, too.  But what if the worst happens?  Then what?

Then we R.I.C.E. 

• Rest - to prevent further injury and allow healing
• Ice - to prevent swelling.  This constricts blood vessels in the injured area and decreases bleeding.
• Compression - to support the injured joint and further decrease swelling.
• Elevation - this further helps decrease swelling by utilizing gravity.

RICE works best when practiced as soon after the injury as possible.  Remember to always place a towel, sheet or t-shirt between your skin and the ice.  Also, when using compression bandages, remember not to wrap the area too tightly.  Once the swelling goes down you can begin gentle range of motion exercises.  Remember to go slowly.  Anti-inflammatory therapy may help, too, but be sure you can tolerate acetaminophen or ibuprofen, some cannot.  

     Remember that it will take time to heal and it is best to return to your regular activities slowly to prevent re-injury.  How long will you be out?  Remember that healing time varies from person to person and with the severity of the injury. 

Average Healing Times

• Fractured Fingers and Toes take 3 to 5 weeks
• Fractured Clavicles take 6 to 10 weeks
• Sprained Ankles vary from 5 days if minor to 3 to 6 weeks if severe
• Mild Contusions take 5 days
• Muscle pulls take from a few days to several weeks depending on the severity and location of the injury
• Mild Shoulder Separation takes from 7 to 14 days

When should you visit the doctor with an injury? See the Doctor if:

•  the pain is severe or lasts longer than 2 weeks in a bone or joint.  
•  the pain radiates to another area.  If pain is caused by pressing on a specific point but not produced when you press on the same spot on the other side of the body, this is called "point tenderness".  
•  a joint injury produces significant swelling, left untreated you could have permanent damage.  
• you cannot move the injured part
• there is persistent tingling, weakness or numbness in the injured area
• the injury does not heal in 3 weeks
• you have an infection with pus, red streaks, fever or swollen lymph nodes

You can visit this link to learn more about preventing injuries, treating injuries and healing from them here.