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| The last column discussed what sports injuries are and how to assess their severity. This column will tell you what to do when you have an acute sports injury. The three main goals... read more |
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| Acute Sports Injuries are traumatic in nature. Some are very dramatic such as when Mike Foligno broke his leg at centre ice the season before last. Although his was a bone injury m... read more |
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Rick
Zarnett |
MD, MSc, FRCS(C) - Dr. Rick Zarnett received his Orthopaedic Surgery training at the University of Toronto. He received a Master’s degree in Medical Science from the Un... read more |
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Acute Sports Injuries II | Tuesday, April 11, 2006 |
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 The last column discussed what sports injuries are and how to assess their severity. This column will tell you what to do when you have an acute sports injury. The three main goals in treating acute soft tissue injuries are 1) To relieve pain 2) To reduce swelling 3) To return to full activity as soon as possible We can accomplish the first two by immediately treating with M.I.C.E. - M-We protect the injury with controlled Motion which keeps the joints mobile while protecting the joints from further injury. I-Ice is applied for 15-20 minutes every 1 1/2 to 2 hours to limit swelling. This is especially important in the first 24 -48 hours. A bag of frozen peas, frozen unpopped popcorn, or a commercial ice pack can be used. Always protect the skin from the ice with a tea towel or paper towel to prevent frostbite. Be careful with icing if you have any circulatory problems. C-Compression has been shown to be one of the most important things to limit swelling an injury to the area. Wrap the injury in an elastic bandage moderately tight. The wrap should not cause undue pain or be tight enough to constrict the circulation. Always wrap from the point farthest away from the heart towards the heart. (ie. toes towards the knees) Remove and carefully reapply the bandage every four hours. E-Elevate the injured area to a level above the heart in an attempt to allow gravity to help limit swelling. (ie. toes above the nose) The next column will talk about the chronic injuries. |
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