Sport-related injuries are among the most common reasons for a visit to the emergency room (ER). Often, many individuals who are in high-activity sports place great demand and stress on the body, which physically exceeds its limits and may result in serious injury or other severe medical complications. Although the majority of sports injuries are minor and usually require very little medical attention, those that are serious can cause chronic damage and life-threatening conditions if left untreated.
When to Go to the ER for a Sports-Related Injury
We recommend going to the ER as soon as possible if you have experienced any of the following conditions, including but not limited to:
- Concussions – a trauma-related brain injury or blow to the head can cause severe damages that may be unnoticeable to some. For this reason, concussions should be closely monitored by medical staff, involving the use of advanced diagnostic tools such as CT or MRI scans.
- Broken Bones – visual deformities can typically be detected on or around the injured area of your body, but in some cases, the bone may poke out of the skin which will warrant a trip to the ER. Regardless, if tenderness around the bone or issues in immobility are symptoms, getting in touch with a medical professional is your best chance at minimizing severe risks.
- Sprains – many visits to the ER are a result of sprains around the ankles or wrists. These sprains are often detected by swelling and/or bruising around the injury. If there is no way you can stand any type of mild weight on the sprain, you may have a fracture and should come directly to the nearest ER.
If you believe your sports-related injury is a life-threatening situation, call 911 or seek medical attention if access is readily available.
How to Treat Sports Injuries At-Home?
Minor sports injuries that occur can often in the convenience of your home. The most common of these are sprains and strains.
Below are tips on how to treat these injuries at home, we recommend the following (RICE) treatment:
- Rest the Injury: Avoid physical activity or reduce the amount of physical activity
- Ice: To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the area for 10-15mins, every 2-3 hours
- Compression: Use elastic bandages to compress the swollen area
- Elevation: To reduce swelling and increase blood circulation keeps the injured area elevated above the heart level.
If you are suffering from a sports-related injury, call our experts at Advance ER today at (214) 494-8222 for help!
