Summer Sports Injuries

Summer brings with it a host of outdoor leagues and tournaments, as well as races and other athletic events.  This means an increase in injuries.  Therefore, it might be a good idea to review some of the "what to do" recommendations for injuries.

1. If there is a loss of consciousness, go to the emergency room.  If you are hit in the head with enough force to be knocked out, there is a concussion and you need to be checked out.  If you were not hit in the head and you lost consciousness, you also need to go. ALWAYS better safe than sorry with this symptom!

2. For pulls, strains, sprains, bruises, put ice on it.  Apply ice for 15 minutes and then wait an hour and do it again.  Repeat up to every hour as needed.  A good ice rule- the first 48 hours or until the pain dulls out.

3.  For basic cuts and scrapes, wash thoroughly with soap and water.  You do not need antibacterial soap or peroxide.  Any soap and water will do.  Apply a clean dressing or bandage and use some antibiotic ointment if available.  If it looks like stitches may be necessary, do not wait more than a few hours to decide.  After a certain amount of time (around 8 hours), wounds can no longer be stitched without a huge risk of infection.

4.  If you do not suspect a major fracture, it is OK to wait and see for the first 24-48 hours.  In the case of most finger or toe fractures, there is no harm in waiting to see how it looks in the morning.

5.  If you pull a muscle, walk around a bit to try to cool down if possible.  Do not try to stretch it out.  Do not keep playing through the pain.  If you have done damage already, it will only get worse.  Once you are significantly cooled down, rest it comfortably.  If it is swelling, try to elevate it above the heart level and use ice.

6.  If you hurt your back while playing, DO NOT allow a friend or family member (unless they are a licensed professional!) to try to pop it or fix it.  You can make a mild injury into a severe injury by doing this.  Follow the rules above:  try to cool down, then use rest and ice.

7.  If after 48 hours, your pain is not getting better, see your chiropractor or primary care physician.  The sooner you start treatment on an injury, the better.  If you treat during the acute phase, recovery is much easier and faster.

8.  When in doubt,  try calling the physician on-call from your doctor or chiropractor's office.

Happy sporting!  Have a great summer!