Sports injuries can happen at any time, and it's important to know how to properly treat them in order to prevent further damage and get back on the field as quickly as possible. As the head of the Sports med department of arthroscopy and sports medicine at Fortis Hospital Jaipur, Dr. Vikram Sharma is a highly skilled and experienced arthroscopic surgeon with over 20 years of experience treating national and international sports persons. Here are some do's and don'ts for immediate treatment after a sports injury, according to Dr. Sharma:
Stop Playing Immediately: If you are injured during a game or practice, it's important to stop playing right away. Continuing to play can worsen the injury and make it more difficult to recover.
Check For Swelling: If there is swelling around the injury, use ice to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Elevate The Injury: If possible, elevate the injury above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.
Apply Compression: Use a compression bandage or wrap to help stabilize the injury and reduce swelling.
Seek Medical Attention: If the injury is severe or you are in a lot of pain, It is recommended to consult as soon as possible for medical attention.
Don't Try To "Walk Off" The Injury: It can be tempting to try to "tough it out" and keep playing, but this can actually make the injury worse.
Don't Ignore The Injury: If you are in a lot of pain or the injury seems severe, don't ignore it. It is recommended to consult as soon as possible for medical attention.
Don't Delay Treatment: The sooner you get treatment for an injury, the better your chances of a full recovery.
Applying ice to a sports injury can help to reduce inflammation and swelling, and is an important part of the recovery process. However, it's important to apply the ice correctly in order to avoid further injury. Here are some tips for proper ice application:
Use A Cold Pack Or Ice Wrapped In A Thin Cloth: Do not apply ice directly to the skin, as it can cause frostbite. Instead, wrap the ice in a thin cloth or use a cold pack specifically designed for ice application.
Don't Leave The Ice On For Too Long: Don't leave the ice on for more than 20 minutes at a time. After 20 minutes, remove the ice and allow the skin to warm up for at least 20 minutes before applying the ice again.
Don't Apply Ice To An Injury That Is Numb: If the area around the injury is numb, don't apply ice. This could cause further injury.
By following these tips, you can safely and effectively use ice to help reduce inflammation and swelling after a sports injury.
If you are an athlete experiencing a sports injury, don't hesitate to reach out to Dr. Sharma and his team for expert care. You can contact them via their WhatsApp helpline at 9587077444, or visit their website at https://www.sportsinjurycare.in for more information. With their expertise and dedication to helping athletes recover, you can trust that you are in good hands.