Spring break is the ideal time to kick back and relax, especially if you are out of work for the week. However, it’s also a great time to let loose, get active outdoors and be with the ones you love. No matter what you have planned, it’s important to try to avoid injuries that can happen both at home or on the playing field.
Sport Injuries
Whether you’re swinging a bat or diving for home plate, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun or obtain injuries while on the field. Keep in mind the importance of stretching before participating in activities that may require more physical assertion and drink plenty of water. Common injuries obtained by individuals not taking proper precautions include shoulder sprains, a torn meniscus and other traumatic sports injuries. Taking regular breaks are imperative to regathering strength, increasing your water intake, and can also save you from overexertion.
If you are experiencing pain after obtaining a strain or sprain due to sport injury, most physicians advise their patients to begin sprain treatment with P.R.I.C.E. therapy, which includes:
- Protection – A brace or other stabilizing device can be worn to immobilize the affected limb while the injury heals.
- Rest – A few days of rest can be helpful, but it’s important to move as much as possible to minimize stiffness and deconditioning during the healing process. Crutches or a splint may be used to enhance mobility. Also, riding a stationary bicycle can provide a good workout with minimal stress on an injured joint.
- Ice – To reduce painful inflammation, a cold pack or a compression sleeve filled with cold water should be applied to the affected area for 15-20 minutes as soon as possible, then 4-8 times daily thereafter.
- Compression – An elastic wrap or compression bandage can be worn to support and stabilize the injured ligament as it heals.
- Elevation – To limit swelling, the injured limb should be raised above heart level when possible.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may be taken to help manage pain during the recovery process, which may span a few days to a few months. During that time, physical activity should be gradually increased as comfort allows. One of our physicians or physical therapists can recommend appropriate strength and stability exercises to optimize healing and minimize the risk of re-injury, so if you have any doubts, it is best to make an appointment as quickly as possible following the injury.