Sports Injury Recovery Tips
Sports are a great way to keep fit, but when the sport goes wrong, it can lead to unpleasant injuries. These injuries could be anything from scrapes and bruises to life-changing injuries. It’s important to know how to properly take care of yourself if you’ve been injured while playing sports.
CTE
CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, which is most common in those with a history of brain trauma, like a concussion. CTE is common in athletes, especially those who box or play football. CTE’s symptoms can include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, anxiety, parkinsonism, and even progressive dementia.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for CTE. The symptoms, such as depression, can be treated individually. If you’ve developed CTE after not being given the right safety equipment for boxing or football, then you may need personal injury attorneys at your service.
Ankle Sprain
One of the most common injuries in sports is a sprained ankle. Sprains happen when the foot rolls inwards. When the foot turns in this way, the ligaments outside of the ankle become stretched or torn.
If you sprain your ankle, you should exercise gently to stop the ankle from losing flexibility and strength. It also works to reduce the risk of getting the same injury again.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are pains down the front of the lower leg. Usually, shin splints happen after running and are not uncommon at the start of a tough training program. Long runs on paved roads are a classic culprit
To deal with shin splints, rest and ice the area. Manage the pain with over-the-counter painkillers. If the pain is still bad after rest, you might have a stress fracture, which is a small break in the shin bone. See a doctor if the pain doesn’t ease.
ACL Tear
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, holds the leg bone to the knee. Being hit from the side or stopping suddenly can cause the ACL to strain or tear. A popping sound might be heard when it happens.
If you think you have an ACL injury, see your doctor immediately. ACL tears can be severe and may need surgery.
Tennis Elbow
Using the elbow in a repetitive way, such as playing tennis or golf, can cause irritation or tiny tears in the tendons. Tennis elbow happens most to players aged between 30 and 60. The best way to treat it is to take a break from the sport that caused it until the pain is gone.
Most sports injuries can be managed easily. Protect the area from further injuries. Minimize activity to prevent the injury from becoming worse. Apply ice after an injury to reduce inflammation. Ice for 20 minutes every one or two hours for the first 48 hours after the injury. Don’t use heat as this can encourages swelling. Compress with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling. Elevate the area above the heart to reduce swelling further.