option 3; sports medicine Flashcards
Ways to classify sports injuries?
- Direct or Indirect
- Soft or Hard tissue
- Overuse
What makes an injury direct?
Caused by an external force applied to the body
e.g. thigh contusion
What makes an injury indirect?
Caused by an internal force and results from excess stress on the muscle
e.g. hamstring tear
What type of injuries are soft tissue?
Injury relating to everything in the body apart from bones and teeth.
What are the different types of soft tissue injuries?
-Tears
-Sprains
-Contusion
-Skin Abrasions
-Lacerations
-Blisters
What is the difference between a tear and a sprain?
Tears are from stretching or tearing a muscle or tendon whereas, sprains are from stretching or tearing a ligament such as a rolled ankle.
What is a contusion?
Sudden blow to the body, such as a bruise.
Do all soft tissue injuries get managed the same way?
No, injuries to the skin have their own specific types of management.
What is a skin abrasion?
Injury caused by scraps and grazes
e.g. falling while running on asphalt.
How do you treat skin abrasions?
- Gently cleanse and sterilise the wound to prevent infection.
- Apply appropriate dressing
What is a laceration?
Injuries that occur when sharp objects slice through the skin.
How do you treat a laceration?
- Clean the area thoroughly with antiseptic soap
- Once dried, apply a sterile gauze pad
*If lacerations are longer than 1cm, you must be refer to a doctor for possible stitches
What are blisters?
Injuries caused by a collection of fluid below or within the epidermal layer of skin, giving rise to intense pain.
How do you treat blisters?
- 24 hour rest
- If blister still prevails and is causing concern, it may need to be surgically released and a donut pad to be applied.
What is inflammatory response?
After a soft tissue injury, the body responds by increasing fluid around the area and around the joint (swelling). This reduces range of motion which may act as a protective function, however pain may be more intense.
*last up to 5 days
How do you manage non-skin soft tissue injuries?
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
Referral
Why should you Rest?
Prevents further injury and decreases blood flow around the body.
How do you Rest?
Stop activity and place injured area in a comfortable position.
How long do you rest for?
Until beginning a program of careful mobilisation.
Why do you use Ice?
Vasoconstriction from the ice removes excess fluid and waste material, allowing fresh blood to flow when it warms up.
This;
- Decreases pain
- Promotes faster recovery
- Reduces scar tissue.
Why may Ice be bad for recovery?
In recent years researchers have become critical of using Ice for injuries as Ice can slow down the recovery process, restricting blood and fluids to help recovery the injury.
How do you use Ice?
- Crushed ice in a wet towel and wrap around the injury
- Frozen gel packs using a towel as an insulator
How long do you apply ice for?
20 minutes every hour for up to 4 days if required.
Why do you use compression?
- Decreases bleeding
- Reduces swelling
- Provides support to unstable joints
How do you compress a soft tissue injury?
Wrap an elastic bandage over the injured area covering both above and below the injury.
When do you compress the soft tissue injury?
At the time of the injury.
Why do you elevate the injury?
- Reduces swelling and inflammation
- Removes waste products from the area
How do you elevate the injury?
Raise the injured area above the level of the heart if possible to assist the return of bodily fluids back to the heart.
How long do you elevate the injury?
Whenever possible during the day and for the following two or three nights.
Why do you seek referral?
To understand the nature and extent of the injury in order to seek guidance.
How do you get referral?
Appointment with a doctor or physiotherapist
When do you seek referral?
As soon as possible following the injury.
What types of injuries are hard tissue?
Injuries relating to bones, teeth or dislocations
What are the types of fractures?
- Simple (closed) fractures
- Compound (open) fractures
- Hairline
- Green stick
- Complicated
What are simple fractures?
When the bone breaks but remains under the skin
What are compound fractures?
When the bone breaks and protrudes through the skin
What are hairline fractures?
Microscopic fractures which may go undetected until further damage by continued impact.
*X-rays are typically needed and are due to overuse
What are greenstick fractures?
Partial fracture where the bone is not completely cracked
What are complicated fractures?
A compound fracture that causes damage to surrounding organs
How do you manage fractures?
- Rest and IMMOBILIZE to prevent further injury
- Control bleeding
- Treat shock
- Use a splint and bandage
- Immediate medical assistance
What are dislocations?
When the bones of a joint are forced out of place, mainly through direct causes.
Often the bones are not damaged but there is significant damage to surrounding ligaments and tendons
What are features of a dislocation?
- Loss of function
- Deforming
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bone may ‘pop out’ and quickly return to place, which is known as subluxation
How do you manage disocations?
- Secure with a splint to fully IMMOBILIZE the injury
- Ice, elevation and support using a bandage
- Immediate medical attention
- DO NOT try and fix/correct the injury yourself
*Only qualified medical practitioners should relocate a dislocated joint.
