SPORTS INJURY FIRST - AID
FIRST - AID
§ Follow the advice of your doctor
§ These instructions are supplemental
§ Chronic injuries may require physical therapy after doctor's diagnosis
R.I.C.E TREATMENT
Ø Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
Ø First aid for strains, sprains, contusions, dislocations, or uncomplicated fractures
REST
v Stop using injured part
Ø Continued activity could cause further injury, delay healing, increase pain, and stimulate bleeding
v Use crutches to avoid bearing weight on injuries of the leg, knee, ankle, or foot
v Use splint for injuries of the arm, elbow, wrist, or hand
ICE
Hastens healing time by reducing swelling around injury
Sudden cold contracts blood vessels
Helps stop internal bleeding from injured capillaries and blood vessels
Keep damp or dry cloth between skin and ice pack
Do not apply ice for longer than 15 to 20 minutes at a time
For 3 days after injury
Apply every hour for 10 to 20 minutes
Apply ice after 3 days as long as pain or inflammation persist
Apply at least 3 times throughout the day for 15 to 20 minutes
COMPRESSION
§ Hastens healing time by reducing swelling around injury
o Decreases seeping of fluid into injured area from adjacent tissue
§ Use elasticized bandage, compression sleeve, or cloth
o Wrap injured part firmly
Do not impair blood supply
Too tight of compression may cause more swelling
Wrap over ice
Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight
ELEVATION
Elevate injured part above level of heart
Decreases swelling and pain
Use objects and pillows for props
Some texts advocate PRICES (P = Protection, S = Support)
MEDICATION
§ Some doctors may recommend the use of a non-steroid anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen through out the duration of the injury.
§ Check with your physician.
HEAT TREATMENT
Causes delay in healing if applied too soon after an injury
Wait at least 72 hours (3 days)
Wait until swelling is gone
Some experts recommend going back and forth between cold and heat treatments.
MANAGEMENT OF INFLAMMATION
decrease healing time
decrease scare tissue formation
decrease chances of reinjury
RECOVERY
There will be a prolonged healing time if usual activities are resumed too soon
Proper care and sufficient healing time before resuming activity should prevent permanent disability if it is a first time injury.
If it is a repeat injury, complications are more likely to occur.
STRAIN
Injury to the muscle or tendon. Pain with moving or stretching the affected muscle or muscle spasms. Acute strains are caused by over stress or direct injury. Chronic strains are caused by overuse.
Mild strain (Grade I)
Slightly pulled muscle with no tearing of muscle or tendon. No loss of strength
Ability to produce strong yet painful muscle contractions
Requires self care through rehabilitation after doctor's diagnosis
Average healing time: 2 to 10 days
Moderate strain (Grade II)
Tearing of muscle, tendon or at the bone attachment
Weak and painful attempts at muscular contraction
Requires physical therapy after doctor's diagnosis
Average healing time: 10 days to 6 weeks
Severe strain (Grade III)
Rupture of muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation
Extremely weak yet painless attempts at muscular contraction
Requires surgical repair and physical therapy after doctor's diagnosis
Average healing time: 16 to 10 weeks
SPRAIN
Violent overstretching of ligament in a joint. Pain, tenderness, swelling or bruising at joint.
Mild strain (Grade I)
Tearing of some ligament. No loss of function
Requires self care through rehabilitation after doctor's diagnosis
Average healing time: 2 to 6 weeks
Moderate strain (Grade II)
Rupture of portion of ligament resulting in some loss of function
Requires physical therapy after doctor's diagnosis
Average healing time: 6 to 8 weeks
Severe strain (Grade III)
Complete rupture of ligament or complete separation of ligament from bone. A sprain-fracture occurs when the ligament pulls loose a fragment of bone
1+ Joint surfaces displaced 3-5 mm
2+ Joint surfaces displaced 6-10 mm
1+ Joint surfaces displaced 10+ mm
Requires surgical repair and physical therapy after doctor's diagnosis
Average healing time: 8 to 10 weeks
INJURY INFORMATION
Acute (traumatic injury)
Chronic (overuse injury)
Account for more than 50% of injuries in primary care practices
Classification Stages:
o Pain after activity only
o Pain during activity. Does not restrict performance
o Pain during activity. Restricts performance
o Chronic persistent pain, even at rest