QKU 3073

QKU 3073Sports InjuriesClassifications and treatmentLearning out comesHow to classify injuries as chronic or acuteHow to classify injuries as soft tissue or hard tissue Different types of skin damage cuts, grazes, blisters and chafingThe causes and treatment of strains, sprains, dislocations and torn cartilageHow to identify and treat fracturesThe treatment of injuries R.I.C.E.The causes and treatment of unconsciousness D.R.A.B.C., resuscitation and the recovery positionThe causes and treatment of concussion, dehydration and hypothermia.Injuries

Classification of sports injury Injuries can be classed as chronic or acute. Chronic injuries are caused by continuous stress on a body part over a long time. Here are some common chronic injuries:tennis elbowgolfers elbowshin splints.Chronic injuries can be caused by training too hard, not allowing time for recovery, poor footwear and bad technique.

Chronic injuries: tennis and golf elbowOveruse injuries can occur due to repeated powerful muscle movements.Golf and tennis put a lot of strain on the elbow.In golf and tennis elbow, the tendons that attach muscles to the elbow joint become inflamed, sore and painful.These injuries should be treated by applying an icepack and resting for several weeks. Physiotherapy treatment may be needed and possibly cortisone (steroid) injections to relieve the pain.

Chronic injuries: shin splintsShin splints are pains in the lower leg, caused by continuous stress over a long period of time. Either the tendons around the tibia become inflamed, or stress fractures develop these are cracks along the length of the bone.Shin splints should be treated with ice and plenty of rest. Cushioned footwear and special insoles can help to prevent the injury returning.

Acute injuriesAcute injuries occur when there is sudden stress on the body.There are three main causes:Collisions with opponents or obstacles.Being struck by an object.Falling from a height or at speed.

Hard and soft tissue injuries

Hard tissue injuries are bone injuries.Soft tissue injuries involve damage to skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments or cartilage.Soft tissue injuriesSoft tissue injuries can be open or closedAn open injury means that the skin has been broken blood usually escapes. Open injuries include cuts, grazes, blisters and chafingA closed injury occurs beneath the skin there is no external bleeding. Closed injuries include bruising, pulls, strains and sprains.

Soft-tissue injury

Soft-tissue injuries are the most common injuries resulting from participation in sport. They include the following:skin injuriesabrasions, lacerations and blisters muscle injuriestears or strains of muscle fibres and contusionstendon injuriestears or strains of tendon fibres and inflammation (tendonitis)ligament injuriessprains and tears of ligament

Open injuries: cuts and grazesCuts require immediate attention to stop bleeding and allow the blood to clot.After the cut is cleaned, plasters and dressings can be used to control bleeding and protect the wound.Deep cuts may need stitches to hold the skin together. Grazes or abrasions where skin is scraped off the body, need to be cleaned carefully. Grazes that result from falls can often contain dirt and grit.

blisters and chafingBlisters are caused by the skin rubbing on other surfaces. They most commonly occur on the feet, due to ill-fitting shoes, and on the hands, due to excessive wear and tear (e.g. from rowing and archery).A bubble of liquid forms just under the skin to protect the area while new skin is grown underneath. Never burst the bubble, as the blister may then become infected. Chafing is caused by ill-fitting clothing or material. Long-distance runners are particularly prone to chafing in areas like the armpits, where clothing may rub.

Closed injuriesBruises occur when small blood vessels are damaged by an impact or sudden wrenching movement. This causes bleeding beneath the skin, leading to swelling and discolouration.Strained (pulled) muscles result from muscles being suddenly and forcefully overstretched. This tears the muscle fibres, usually where they attach to the tendon. The muscle is painful and its strength is reduced.Bruises and strains should be treated with ice to reduce the swelling.

SprainSprains are different to strains they involve ligaments rather than muscles and tendons.Sprains occur when ligaments at joints get stretched and torn. A sharp twist of the foot can give you a sprained or twisted ankle. Severe sprains result in torn ligaments.Sprains are more serious than strains, and result in considerable pain and loss of function at the joint. The symptoms are similar to a fracture or dislocation.Sprains should be treated with ice and rest.

DislocationA dislocation occurs when a bone is pulled or twisted out of place at a joint.When the shoulder is dislocated, the humerus is pulled out of the socket on the scapula. The injured person is usually unable to move their arm, and the shoulder loses its rounded shape. Dislocations are very painful. They require hospital treatment to move the bone back into position. The ligaments and tissue around the joint can take a long time to recover.

Cartilage tear of the kneeCartilage aids friction free movement at the knee joint and provides some shock absorption. Cartilage can tear if the knee is twisted excessively. This is a common football injury, caused when players change direction quickly.A cartilage tear is a serious injury. The knee will be painful, may lock and will swell. An icepack can reduce swelling, but surgery is sometimes needed to repair the damaged cartilage.

cartilage

Hard-tissue injuries Types of hard-tissue injuries Hard-tissue injuries include fractures and dislocations.

Fractures

Fractures can be open (simple) or closed (compound).A simple or closed fracture means that the bone is cracked but the skin is not broken.A compound or open fracture means that the skin is broken and the bone is sticking out.Open fractures are more serious. They usually involve blood loss.Fractures

fracture is a break in a bone. This can result from a direct force, an indirect force or repetitive smaller impacts (as occurs in a stress fracture). In some cases, a simple fracture can be difficult to detect. The signs and symptoms of a fracture include: pain at the site of the injury inability to move the injured part unnatural movement of the injured part deformity of the injured part swelling and discolouration grating of bones. FracturesFractures are usually caused by violent impacts. They are most common in contact sports like rugby, and sports where there is a risk of falling from height or at speed, for example, horse riding, skiing and climbing.Fractures are difficult to prevent as they are caused by sudden and unexpected events or accidents. Using correct technique and playing by the rules can reduce the risks to some extent.Fractures should be treated by immobilizing the injured area with a splint or sling and controlling any bleeding with a dressing. The casualty should not be moved until the ambulance arrives, unless absolutely necessary.

R.I.C.E.Whenever there is any injury to bones, joints, ligaments muscles or tendons, blood vessels will be damaged. Broken blood vessels mean that blood leaks into tissues around the injury. This will lead to swelling, bruising and pain.To combat the effects of this, you should follow the R.I.C.E method of treatment:

R Rest I IceC Compression E ElevationUnconsciousness1.Fainting common fainting is a temporary abnormality in blood flow to the brain. It can be caused by stress, heat or physical exertion.2.Head injury any blow to the head can cause unconsciousness, whether it damages the skull or not.3.Heart attack or stroke this can interrupt blood flow to the brain.4.Asphyxia breathing is obstructed, for example if the person has inhaled water.5.Shock caused by blood loss, infection or heart problems.

D.R.A.B.C.Dangers ResponseAirBreathingCirculation

ResuscitationIf an unconscious casualty is not breathing, rescue breaths (or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) can be usedThis involves the rescuer repeatedly blowing air into the mouth of the casualty to inflate and deflate their lungs. This allows some oxygen into the body.If a casualty has no pulse, chest compressions can be usedThe rescuer pushes down firmly and repeatedly on the casualtys chest, mimicking the action of the heart and circulating some blood around the body.

The recovery positionAn unconscious casualty who is breathing and has no life-threatening conditions should be placed in the recovery position. This keeps the airway open and prevents them swallowing their own tongue or choking on vomit.

ConcussionConcussion is a common cause of unconsciousness while playing sport.Concussion occurs when an individual has received a blow to the head, causing an injury to the brain. This could be caused by falling or being hit by something or someone. A person may be concussed without losing consciousness. The signs can include disorientation, loss of vision, vomiting, paleness, a racing pulse and shallow breathing.Concussion should be treated at hospital.

DehydrationWhen we exercise, especially in hot conditions, the body loses water as a result of sweating.If the performer does not re-hydrate by drinking lots of water, they may suffer from dehydration.The body also loses important electrolytes salts which conduct nerve impulses and maintain cell metabolism.This results in the performer feeling very tired, nauseous and faint.The performer should stop exercising and re-hydrate somewhere cool.

HypothermiaNormal body temperature is 37C.If a performers body temperature falls below 35C, they begin to suffer from hypothermia.People who take part in activities in mountainous areas or on water are particularly at risk.Common symptoms of hypothermia are shivering, paleness, loss of dexterity and erratic behaviour.A hypothermic person should be warmed-up gradually. They need warm, dry clothing, warm drinks and high energy foods.