Bruises, Sprains and Strains

ICE THERAPY

Icing the injury will help reduce and/or prevent swelling. Treatment time should be at least 15 minutes, no more than 20. Continue this for the first 72 hours after the initial injury. This treatment will be done at least 2 times daily while at school and should be done at least 2 times in the evening while at home.HEAT SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR THE FIRST 72 HOURS FOLLOWING INJURY!

COMPRESSION

Compression can be used to help reduce and/or prevent swelling. Wrap the injured area with ACE wrap to control swelling. Always wrap from the bottom of the injured area to past the top of the injury to prevent pooling of swelling below the injured area. ACE wraps can be taken off before going to bed and then put back on upon waking.

Elevation

Gravity also helps to reduce and/or prevent swelling. Raise the injured body part above the heart, if possible, while applying ice to the area. You can use pillows or blankets to help you achieve this. Elevation can be continued while the athlete is sleeping

Rest

Rest can prevent further aggravation and swelling of the injury. Crutches may be used for your athlete if mobility is painful. Depending on the severity of the injury, the body part should have as little activity as possible for injury. Pain is very common in these types of injuries, so limiting range of motion may also decrease pain, as well. You may also wish to have your athlete take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help control their pain.

**REMEMBER :If your son/daughter is taken to the doctor for medical evaluation, we must have a medical release form from the physician before they will be allowed to return to participation.**

Turf Burns

Traumatic skin abrasions commonly known as turf burns are prevalent on artificial playing surfaces. Although the abrasion may be a minor injury, it may develop into a more serious condition if not properly treated.

1. The wound should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water.

2. Topical ointments such as Bacitracin, Neosporin or Polysporin should be applied.

3. It is recommended that Telfa pads or Non-Stick Pads be used to cover the wound. Gauze pads stick to the wound and when removed, irritate the wound.

4. The wound should not be allowed to form a scab. The scab has a tendency to crack, bleed and cause more pain/irritation for the athlete.

5. The wound should be cleaned daily.

6. The wound dressing should be changed daily.

7. The wound should be monitored daily for signs of infection. Infection can occur as soon as 2 days after the injury.

8. If the wound develops an infection, a physician should be seen immediately.

Signs of Infection

• The wound appears red, swollen, hot and tender. Pus formation in and around the wound.

• Red streaks extending away from the wound.

• Lymph glands are painful and swollen near the area of infection (groin, armpit or neck).

• Athletes can experience mild fever or headache.

Fluid Replacement for Athletes

Effects of Dehydration

Dehydration can affect an athlete’s performance in less than an hours of exercise – sooner if the athlete begins the session dehydrated.

• Dehydration of just 1-2% of body weight can negatively influence performance.

• When dehydration exceeds 2% of body weight, physical work capacity can decrease by as much as 48%.

• Dehydration of greater than 3% of body weight increases an athlete’s risk of developing an exertional heat illness (heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke).

Thirst is not a reliable indicator of either dehydration or fluid needs. Thirst mechanisms do not kick in until an athlete has lost 2% of the body weight as sweat. Athletes typically replace only 1/3 to 2/3 of sweat losses when they use thirst as a guide.

Warning Signs of Dehydration

• Thirst

• Irritability

• Headache

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Decreased performance

• Weakness

• Cramps

• Dark urine output

What to Drink During Exercise

• Before Exercise

  • 2-3 hours before drink 17-20 oz of water or sports drink

  • 10-20 minutes before drink 7-10 oz of water or sports drink

• During Exercise

  • Every 10-20 minutes drink 7-10 oz of water of sports drink

  • Encourage athletes to drink beyond their thirst

• After Exercise

  • Within 2 hours drink enough to replace any weight loss from exercise

  • Approximately 20 oz of water or sports drink per pound of weight loss.

  • Within 6 hours drink an additional 25-50% more than weight loss from exercise.

What Not To Drink During Exercise

Refrain from drinking fruit juices, carbohydrate gels and sodas. Beverages containing caffeine, alcohol and carbonation are also discouraged during activity because they can dehydrate the body by stimulating excess urine production.

NATA Position Statement for Fluid Replacement

NATA Position Statement for Heat Illnesses

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury that is a result of a direct blow to the head or aggressive shaking of the head and body(whip lash).

General Guidelines of Treatment

Removal from physical activity

Monitor symptoms of concussion. Common symptoms include:

• • headache

  • dizziness

  • nausea

  • sensitivity to noise/light

  • "just don't feel right"

  • changes in mood (irritable, sad, anxious)

  • fatigue

  • difficulty concentrating

If your athlete's symptoms worsen or their level of conciousness decreases (or they black out) please seek immediate medical care!

For more information on concussions, please refer to our LISD Concussion Page:

Concussion Leander ISD