Sports Medicine Flashcards
What is a ‘indirect injury’
Caused by internal force by excessive strain on muscles, tendons and ligaments
E.g. Tearing of the hamstring
What is a ‘direct injury’
Caused by external force applied to the body
E.g. bruise
What is a ‘soft tissue’ injury
Damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, cartilage, organs
E.g. Sprained ankle
What is a ‘hard tissue’ injury
Damage to bones and teeth
E.g. Boxer dislodging tooth in a fight
What is a ‘overuse injury’
Injury provoked by repetitive exercises over long periods of time
Examples of soft tissue injuries
Tears, sprains, contusions
What is a sprain
Stretching/tearing of the ligament
E.g. Sprained ankle
What is a tear
Stretching/tearing of a muscle or tendon
E.g. Teared hamstring
What is a contusion
Caused by impact with an object resulting in internal bleeding
E.g. Bruised thigh
Soft tissue injuries to the skin
Abrasions, lacerations and blisters
What is an abrasion
Area of scraped skin resulting from a fall on rough, hard surface
E.g. Grazed knee
What is a laceration
A deep tear of the skin exposing underlying skin tissue
E.g. Deep cut on scalp
What is a blister
A small pocket of fluid within the skin caused by friction between skin and another surface
E.g. Foot blister from rubbing against shoe
What is a inflammatory response
Immediate natural response to tissue damage
What is the first phase of the inflammatory response
- Acute inflammatory phases (24-72 hours) characterised by pain, redness and swelling, loss of function/mobility, increased blood flow to the area to promote healing
What is the second phase of the inflammatory response
- Repair and regeneration (3-6 weeks) characterised by removal of damaged tissue, formation of new fibres and the production of scar tissue
What is the third phase of the inflammatory response
- Remodelling characterised by increased production of scar tissue and rehabilitation exercises to strengthen/develop replacement tissue
What are the aims of immediate treatment to soft tissue injuries
- to prevent further tissue damage
- minimise swelling and ease pain
- to reduce the formation of scar tissue
What does RICER stand for
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral
RICER (R) - why, how, time?
Rest
Why - to reduce bleeding and prevent further injury
How - place in a comfortable position with injury elevated and supported
Time - when injury occurs
RICER (I) - why, how, time?
Ice
Why - to reduce pain, blood flow, and swelling
How - ice in a towel (to protect skin) wrapped around injury
Time - 20 mins every hour up to 3 days
RICER (C) - why, how, time?
Compression
Why - decreases bleeding, reduces swelling
How - wrap above and below the injury with a bandage
Time - at the time and reapplied periodically for 24 hours
RICER (E) - why, how, time?
Elevation
Why - decrease bleeding, and reduces throbbing and swelling
How - raise injury above level of heart
Time - whenever possible for 2-3 days
RICER (R) - why, how, time?
Referral
Why - to understand the nature and extent of the injury
How - appointment with a doctor/physio
Time - ASAP
What does TOTAPS stand for
Talk, Observe, Touch, Active movement, Passive movement, Skills test
