Are you a lover of sports? If yes, then you probably have suffered an injury or two before requiring urgent care. A study in 2016 showed that more than a quarter (27%) of U.S. patients had visited an urgent care center within the last two years. Injuries are, no doubt, painful and would certainly justify one of these trips to urgent care. This article will review the types of sports injuries, treatment, and prevention.

Sports injuries occur mostly during training and games. Overtraining and failing to warm up are the most common causes of injuries. Warming up increases blood flow to the muscles, making you more flexible. Athletes who use the wrong techniques during training or games also risk suffering an injury.

Take a look at these common types of injuries and their remedies.

Muscle strains

This injury occurs when the muscle or the tendons overstretch and eventually tear. This overstretching is caused by sudden undue pressure during lifting or games. A muscle strain often results in swelling, pain, and weakness, leading to the inability to use the muscle. Muscles in the shoulder, knee, and lower back are the most vulnerable.

You can treat muscle strains/pull by icing the affected area. Be sure to use a protective covering to avoid direct contact between ice and skin. Put the strained muscle in a comfortable position. Continue applying slight compressions. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also come in handy for treatment.

In the case where these remedies fail to work, please be sure to seek healthcare services.

Dislocations

Dislocations occur when bones slip out of their proper position as a result of a fall or a blow. Knees, ankles, hip, shoulders, and jaws are the most affected by this injury. Dislocated bones are often characterized by swelling and bone misalignment. Dislocations are also very painful.

A dislocation is often an emergency. An attempt to realign a dislocated bone by an unqualified person can lead to further injuries. In the case of a dislocation, it is safer to see a doctor for proper care.

You can prevent dislocations by wearing protective gear on vulnerable areas such as knees and shoulders when playing sports.

Fractures

A fracture is a rapture in bone continuity and integrity. An open fracture occurs when the broken bone punctures the skin. Fractures often happen as a result of a fall or overuse. The common symptoms of a fracture are swelling, numbness, difficulty in moving, intense pain, and deformity of the limb.

Fractures are treated by resetting and immobilizing the affected bone to give it adequate time to heal. Other cases involve surgery to put the bone in place using pins and screws. Always seek urgent care services from a medical professional when it comes to fractures.

Sprains

A sprain is an injury to the ligament, mostly by tearing. Ligaments are the tissues connecting one bone to another. The most vulnerable area is the ankle. Sprains occur in three degrees. First-degree sprains involve ligament stretching, bringing about swelling and pain. Second-degree sprains involve the tearing of some fibers, causing weakness and discoloration. Third-degree sprains involve the tearing off of most of the fibers, causing severe weakness and immobility.

You can typically treat mild sprains at home with remedies such as icing and elevation. For severe sprains, however, you should seek urgent medical care.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition in which bursae muscles are inflamed. These muscles are fluid-filled sacs that act as shock absorbers for bones, tendons, and muscles.

The main cause of this condition is muscle overuse. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, and stiffness around the joint of the affected area.

Treatment includes rest, icing the affected area, and using pain relievers. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will help counter the symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Sports are fun. Not only do they keep you fit but they also help in brain development. Further, many people today pursue a sport as their career. Sports injuries can, however, easily mute this fun. You should take proper caution to ensure you don’t suffer an injury.

Using proper equipment, doing the correct exercises, and avoiding muscle overuse are important steps when trying to avoid sports injuries. Being aware of the home remedies and treatment of these injuries will also help when the need arises. However, be sure to seek proper medical attention when the situation calls for it.