How to Treat the 4 Most Common Sports Injuries

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Children playing soccer

How to Treat the 4 Most Common Sports Injuries 

With the warmer weather starting to come around everyone is gearing up to play outdoors. While making the most of the sunshine it is important to be aware of sports injuries and how to treat them if they occur. The First Aid Canada team has put together recommendations for frequent injuries occurring in a sports setting:

Sprained Ankle

Spraining an ankle is a very popular injury occurring among athletes. It occurs when one of the ligaments (the tough bands of tissue that hold your bones together) twists, stretches too much or snaps. Ankle sprain pain can be mild to severe and will include any or all of these symptoms: swelling, difficulty moving the ankle, bruising or instability of the ankle. Luckily mild to moderate ankle sprains can heal on their own, but you can take the following measures to diminish discomfort or even speed up the process: 

  • Rest your ankle
  • Ice your ankle with a proper ice pack
  • Compress your ankle with a bandage
  • Elevate your ankle

Pulled Groin

The second most common injury among athletes is a pulled groin. This injury most commonly occurs in hockey, baseball, soccer and football, as it is a result of intense side-to-side motions. If the groin area becomes sore it is recommended to:

  • Compress the groin area with bandages
  • Ice the groin with a proper ice pack
  • Rest the legs and avoid engaging in sports

Strained Hamstring

The third most common injury among athletes is strained hamstrings. The hamstring is made up of three different muscles in the back of the leg, which results in a longer healing process. It isn’t uncommon for a hamstring to take up to a year to heal as the muscles are used every day while walking. Luckily there are ways to speed up the process:

  • Plenty of rest
  • Avoid vigorous activities
  • Ice or heat injury when inflamed

Shin Splints

Shin splints are a runner’s worst nightmare. Luckily, shin splints can be avoided easily by wearing in proper running shoes and avoiding running on pavement. However, if they do occur they can be easily treated to speed up the healing process and avoid discomfort:

  • Rest your legs
  • Avoid running and vigorous activity
  • Ice shins when needed

Of course if any of the injuries mentioned above create excruciating pain or experience intense symptoms it is important to see your doctor right away for recommendations and treatment. For additional information and tips regarding heating and cooling treatment check out our blog.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.