Sports-participation promotes physical and emotional wellness in children and adults, but too much physical activity can lead to injury. Repetitive stress injury, also known as overuse injury can affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, and growth plates. Sports injuries can be painful, and they are one of the quickest ways to interfere with daily living. The seven most common sports injuries are:

1. Ankle sprain

2. Groin pulls

3. Hamstring strain

4. ACL tear (knee injury)

5. Shin splints

6. Tennis elbow

7. Patellofemoral Syndrome (repetitive movement of your kneecap against your femur, your thigh bone)

No matter how you hurt yourself, the injury can take time to heal. To help reduce swelling, ease pain, and speed up healing, we recommend applying the R.I.C.E. method:

· Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured area and be sure to rest. Resting also helps to prevent bruising.

· Ice: Apply an icepack or gel pad for 10 minutes, then remove for 10 minutes. Repeat as often as possible. To help prevent frostbite, cover the icepack with a light, absorbent towel.

· Compression: Wrap the injured area to prevent swelling with an elastic medical bandage.

· Elevate: Raise the sore body part above the level of your heart to reduce throbbing, pain, and internal bleeding.

Continue the R.I.C.E. treatment method for the first 48-72 hours after your injury. During the first three days following a sports injury, do not apply heat to the area as it can worsen swelling.

There are multiple aids that can be purchased or rented to ensure a quicker recovery time. Knee walkers are a great way to relieve pressure as they are cushioned for comfort with space to let you rest a cast or injured leg without having to put your weight on it. You can zoom around quickly as they don’t require upper body strength. The swelling from a sprain can be relieved with wheelchairs that have elevated foot rests. Crutches help a foot injury by transferring weight from the legs to the upper body. Canes are also helpful for leaning on and supporting weight, taking pressure off the opposite leg. When icing an injured area, you can use ice packs or gel packs. Choosing a product with velcro or covers will help to hold it in place properly.

If you have a sports injury, visit us at Medical Mart Heartland to receive free injury advice from one of our trained specialists. Rental services available for knee walkers, wheelchairs, walkers and homecare beds.

If your pain or swelling becomes worse or doesn’t improve, be sure to see a doctor.