Sports Awareness

Mark Cole, M.S., ATC/LAT,CSCS

Summertime is often associated with fun and activities, especially outdoors, for the whole family.  What is often overlooked is the need for awareness during summertime to avoid injuries which can limit or end a summer early.  Injuries that may occur during summer can include: bruises (contusions), abrasions, sprains, strains, concussions, and fractures. 

Recognizing Summertime Injuries

Bruises, or contusions, are often the result of a fall or blow to the body.  The impact injures tissue and causes bleeding, often seen as a blue-purple area 24 hours after injury.  Treatment: R.I.C.E.

Abrasions result when the skin is scraped away.  Abrasions are of concern because they are often dirty and may serve as a pathway for infection to begin.  Signs of an abrasion include an area of scraped off skin and bleeding. Treatment: R.I.C.E.

Sprains are an injury to the ligaments connecting bones together around our joints.  Causes of sprains vary. Twisted ankles and knees are two of the most common sprained areas during summertime. Since sprain typically occur around joints, signs of a sprain include a sore, swollen joint, loss of motion in a limb, and/or pain when moving a limb. Treatment: R.I.C.E.

Strains are an injury to the muscle or tendons, and are typically not near a joint.  Usually the result of an overstretched limb, strains also cause pain and loss of function.  Severe strains may involve swelling around the area as well. Treatment: R.I.C.E.

R.I.C.E. – is the acronym for safe and effective immediate care for the above injuries.

R means rest.  Stop activity, sit down, and take a minute to assess the injury.

I means ice.  Apply an ice pack with paper toweling between the pack and skin for 15 minutes.

C means compression.  Use an elastic bandage and gently wrap the injured area.  Begin away from the heart and wrap gently toward the heart. 

E means elevation.  If possible when movement is safe, elevate the injured body part above the heart until help arrives.

Concussions are a type of brain injury and are often thought to only occur as a result of contact sports like football or boxing.  However, summer outdoor activities are also leading causes of concussions, especially in youth.  A concussion occurs when large forces are placed on the brain or head.  Common sources of concussion include a direct blow like that from a thrown softball, a sudden stop like a fall, or landing hard on the tailbone, which transfers force up the spine.  Concussions represent damage to the brain tissue itself, often resulting in the disruption of brain functioning.  These alterations in function are the important signs and symptoms of a concussions.

Common symptoms of a concussion include: changes in memory, balance, and/or coordination, confusion, a dazed appearance, agitation, headache, withdrawal, nausea, drowsiness, personality changes and possibly unconsciousness.  Once a concussion is believed to have occurred, it is essential for successful treatment to begin with immediate evaluation by qualified medical professionals. 

As with most accidents, common sense is an important part of preventing summer injuries.  Specifically, many concussions can be prevented through the consistent use of protective helmets.  A variety of styles and sizes are available for participants of every age and activity.  Good helmets can even be purchased for less than $50.  Owning a helmet is not enough; helmets must be worn for them to work.  Parents can model good behavior for their children by wearing helmets of their own.  Their actions will promote more frequent helmet usage, and ultimately greatly reduce concussions.

Fractures are a break in the bony skeleton of the body.  Usually the result of a fall or a sudden large impact, fractures impair body function and movement.  Pain, loss of movement, and swelling are all signs of possible fractures.

Dealing with Summertime Injuries

Inevitably we will all encounter a summertime injury.  All injuries should be evaluated as soon as possible by a licensed medical professional.  Use R.I.C.E. where able, but ALL potential concussions and fractures should be evaluated immediately by calling 911 or your local emergency number.  If an injury does not improve within a week, you should consult a health care professional as soon as possible. 

For more information regarding summertime injuries please  call Blount Orthopaedic at 414-272-9595.