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Any injuries whether sustained in athletics or other need to be communicated with the staff Athletic Trainers immediately. If an athlete is seen by a physician, LISD requires documentation from the treating physician stating what limitations if any are to be followed during athletics (This includes full clearances as well). Download the form at the bottom of this page - Medical Release 2019
Ankle Sprains
The following are guidelines to be used at home for the treatment of ankle injuries.
Basic treatment consists of (R.I.C.E.):
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
If the athlete is injured at school, the athlete will usually come home with a compression wrap and horseshoe on the injured ankle. This is not to be removed unless the athlete is icing the ankle or if the wrap is becoming too tight as the result of swelling.
Once the ice therapy is done, the horseshoe and compression wrap should be re-applied. The wrap and horseshoe is to remain on until the athlete goes to bed and then it is removed. Upon getting up in the morning, the horseshoe and wrap is placed back on the ankle. Applying the horseshoe and compression wrap will help to minimize the swelling within the ankle joint. This will help to speed up the rehabilitation process.
During the first several days after the injury, the ankle will generally be very painful. This is normal in a ligament injury. The pain may be controlled with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Do not be alarmed by the swelling that may occur.
Ice therapy should only be applied to the ankle for only 10-15 minutes once an hour. Ice may be applied several times over the evening hours to help reduce swelling. Elevation should be used in addition to the ice treatment. Pillows or blankets may be used to elevate the ankle above the level of the hips or heart. Elevation should continue after the ice treatment and during the time the athlete is sleeping.
Ice therapy should be used exclusively for the first 72 hours after the injury.
NEVER APPLY HEAT DURING THIS TIME FRAME!
Applying heat during this time will result in a marked increase in the amount of swelling around the ankle joint.
Crutches may be issued initially if the athlete has severe pain when applying pressure to the ankle when walking. If the pain is not severe, the athlete should try to walk. The athlete should try to walk as normal as possible,even if this requires taking slow, small steps.
If your son/daughter is taken for medical evaluation, we must have a medical release form from the physician before they will be allowed to return to participation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Bruises, Sprains and Strains
1. Ice Therapy – will constrict blood vessels to help reduce and/or prevent swelling.
a. treatment time should be 15 minutes
b. continue for first 72 hours after initial injury
c. treatment will be done at least 2 times daily while at school and should be done at least 2 times in the evening
d. HEAT SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR THE FIRST 72 HOURS FOLLOWING INJURY!
2. Compression – helps to reduce and/or prevent swelling.
a. wrap injured area with ACE wrap to control swelling
b. 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
c. ACE wraps should be taken off before going to bed and then put back on upon waking
3. Elevation – gravity will help to reduce and/or prevent swelling.
a. raise the injured body part while applying ice to the area
b. injured area must be above the level of the heart or hips
c. elevate injured area with pillows or blankets
d. elevation should continue while the athlete is sleeping
4. Rest – prevents further aggravation and swelling of the injury.
a. crutches may be used if mobility if painful
b. should have as little activity as possible for injury
5. Pain – very common in these types of injuries.
a. may try to limit range of motion to decrease amount of pain
b. may wish to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help control pain
If your son/daughter is taken 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, itmay develop into a more serious condition if not properly treated. Staph infections may develop rapidly in this type of wound.
Treatment Procedures
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 Non-Stick Pads be used to cover the wound. Gauze pads stick 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 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 may occur as soon as 2 days after the injury.
8. If any of the following signs develop, a physician should be seen immediately.
a. The wound appears red, swollen, hot and tender. Pus formation in and around the wound.
b. Red streaks extending away from the wound.
c. Lymph glands are painful and swollen near the area of infection (groin, armpit or neck).
d. Athlete experiences mild fever or headache.
9. These types of infections may be highly contagious and should be treated by a physician as soon as possible.
10. To help prevent spread of infection, wounds should be covered and practice clothing and uniforms should be washed daily
See Staph attachments below on how to care for Staph infections.
Fluid Replacement for Athletes
NATA (National Athletic Trainers Association)
Position Statement
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
1. Thirst
2. Irritability
3. Headache
4. Nausea
5. Dizziness
6. Decreased performance
7. Weakness
8. Cramps
9. 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
Fruit juices, carbohydrate gels and sodas.
Beverages containing caffeine, alcohol and carbonation are discouraged during activity because they can dehydrate the body by stimulating excess urine production.
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