You can manage many acute sports injuries from home. In fact, this will be helpful before an appointment with your physician. There is no specific treatment regimen. Although, according to professionals, mild sports & exercise injuries can be treated at home.

Treatment should be guided by the P.R.I.C.E protocol, Protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These have been used in injury management for decades.

Basic Science of Acute sports injuries

If you are a sports player or an avid exercise enthusiast, it is a good idea to know the basic science of injuries. First, let us talk about acute injuries.

Acute sports injuries are due to damage to soft tissues, such as:

  • Skin
  • Cartilage
  • Fascia
  • Muscle
  • Tendons
  • Ligaments

It is common for bones and nerves to be damaged too. Acute sports & exercise injuries sometimes are accompanied by symptoms, such as:

  • Swelling
  • Localized pain
  • Redness
  • Bruising
  • Reduced range of motion

Most of us probably already know this, but injuries are usually caused by several things. In fact, there is a series of events that lead to an acute injury. This includes:

  • Microscopic damage occurs to blood vessels and connective tissues. This is the result of twisting, tearing, or blunt trauma.
  • This damage causes blood and plasma leakage into tissues.
  • Leaking fluid causes acute injury swelling. Blood vessels also dilate, and chemical mediators collect.
  • Blood migrates towards the surface of e skin. Skin can appear red or bruised.
  • Fluid collection is the cause of any pain. Lowered oxygen levels (hypoxia) also increases pain.
  • Symptoms of acute injuries vary extensively. It depends on how severe the trauma was. Also, the part of the body you injured.

Also, see Acute vs. Chronic Pain

When to Head To the Emergency Room

It is a good idea to know when it is time to head to the emergency room. Acute injuries generally occur from specific events. Collision with a player or overly quick acceleration Or, falling on an outstretched hand. Common acute injuries include:

  • Strains and sprains
  • Fractures
  • Contusions

Dislocations or Partial Dislocations

Suspected fractures or dislocations require an emergency room visit. Seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms:

  • Deformity
  • Inability to bear weight on the injured leg
  • Symptoms get worse
  • Paleness or loss of pulse
  • Paralysis
  • Extreme pain

If you experience a sports or exercise injury that is not improving with conservative treatment methods, we can help. Call us at 888-409-8006. Our top specialists are here to help. Spine & Orthopedic Center’s offices are conveniently located throughout South Florida.