Face it... at one time or another, all sports can cause some form of injury. Whether it’s a sprained ankle while out golfing or a broken arm from a bad tackle in football, knowing how to treat these injuries can be a great asset to any player or watcher of almost any sport. Of course, there are some injuries that require immediate medical attention; should one of these injuries occur, don't hesitate to make that trip to the doctor's office or the emergency room.
Below is a list of common injuries as well as their treatments. Take note if medical attention is recommended; it can make all of the difference.
Bruises: Given enough time, bruises will happen in 99% of sports. Usually, they're nothing to worry about... they're busted vessels in the skin, and the blood will diffuse and the bruise will fade in a few days. You can speed up the process by applying heat or commercially available creams to the area. Should the bruise darken or spread after several days, or red lines or additional irritation appear, visit a doctor in case infection or blood poisoning has begun to set in.
Scrapes: Another common injury, scrapes and abrasions usually look worse than they are. They don't usually bleed too much, but can be quite painful for a few days. Clean the wound and apply a topical cream, then wait for it to scab over. Should additional redness or irritation occur after a few days, have a doctor look at it in case of infection.
Sprains: When joints turn in ways that they shouldn't, the muscles can become sprained. Intense pain and swelling occur, and the joint (often the ankle or wrist) become more or less useless until it is healed. Lesser injuries called strains can also occur; in the event of either, having a doctor check it out in case of breakage isn't a bad idea. For treatment, stay off of the ankle or don't use the joint, and apply heat and cold in intervals. Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication can be taken for both pain and swelling.
Cuts/Punctures: Cuts and punctures in sports most often occur when a piece of sports equipment breaks the skin. The severity of the injury can vary from minor to extreme, but should always be checked for additional damage below the skin. Very minor cuts require very little care at all other than cleaning and bandaging, but any cut or puncture with even moderate bleeding needs medical attention. In case of heavy bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a clean dry cloth until help can arrive. Large wounds, even if they do not bleed an extreme amount, still should be taken to a doctor in case stitches are needed. Punctures, even very small ones, should be watched for a while because they tend to get infected easier than larger wounds.
Concussions: When someone takes a blow to the head they may receive a concussion, which is a type of brain injury caused by the brain hitting the skull around it and disrupting normal function. They may become disoriented, they may suffer blurred vision, and they may black out. Though most people with concussions can recover on their own, severe concussions can cause brain damage or death. A doctor's visit is recommended if the victim didn't black out; if they did, a trip to the emergency room is likely in order.
Breaks: Broken bones are a serious matter. Unless properly set, the bone can heal incorrectly, and can also cause further internal injury. In the event of a broken bone or even a suspected broken bone, the victim should be taken to a doctor or hospital immediately for treatment. Hopefully, all of your sports experiences will be safe ones, but should the worst happen, you may as well be prepared with the knowledge of what to do.
