Sports Medicine Treatment
Sports medicine involves diagnosing, treating and preventing injuries during sports activity and exercises. Sports injuries can result from accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises. The most common sports injuries are sprains and strains, fractures and dislocations.
Early evaluation and diagnosis of sports injuries provide better treatment outcomes and prevention of complications. Treatments utilized in sports medicine include:
- Medication to relieve pain and inflammation
- Rest, ice, compression and elevation (R.I.C.E) of the affected region of the body
- Immobilization with splints, casts, braces and special shoes
- Physical therapy: exercises and physical manipulation to strengthen muscles and joints, and improve range of motion. Physical therapy can be indicated individually or following surgical treatment.
- Training to improve specific sports techniques
- Surgery to correct or repair tears, lacerations, fractures and dislocations
Some of the measures that are followed to prevent sports related injuries include:
- Follow an exercise program to strengthen the muscles
- Gradually increase your exercise level and avoid overdoing the exercises
- Ensure that you wear properly-fitted protective gear such as elbow guards, eye gear, facemasks, mouth guards, pads, comfortable clothes and athletic shoes before playing any sports activity to help reduce the chances of injury
- Make sure that you follow warm up and cool down exercises before and after sports activities. Exercises will help to stretch the muscles, increase flexibility, and reduce soft tissue injuries.
- Avoid exercising immediately after eating a large meal.
- Maintain a healthy diet to nourish the muscles.
- Avoid playing when you are injured or tired. Take a break for some time after playing.
- Learn all the rules of the game you are participating in.
- Ensure that you are physically fit to play the sport.