Injury Diagnosis
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A Guide to Injury Diagnosis
There is always a risk of injury
when taking part in a sporting activity.
Although you can take precautions,
such as stretching and wearing
protective gear, you cannot completely
rule out the possibility of picking up an
injury along the way. In some cases, the
pain you feel may just be the tip of the
iceberg and you may have a deeper
underlying issue. The experts at cold
therapy brand www.Biofreeze.co.uk
have compiled a list of common injuries,
and the best ways to treat them so that
you can recover quickly and get back to
taking part in the sports that you love…
The main types of injuries:
• Sprains: These are caused by
overstretching or tearing the ligaments.
Ligaments are the tough strands of
fibrous tissue that connect bones
together within joints. Commonly
sprains occur in ankles, wrists and
knees.
• Strains: Not to be confused
with a sprain, strains are cause by
overstretching or tearing muscles or
tendons. Tendons connect muscles to
the bone and are very tough. Common
strains are in the legs, arms and back.
• Swollen muscles: Although
worrying, swelling is a natural response
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to injury. Swollen muscles are best
cared for with a cold therapy treatment.
The swollen muscles may feel painful
and weak and will therefore require
rest and gentle mobilisation to help
with recovery.
• Dislocations: Sports injuries may
lead to a dislocated bone within your
body, often from overexertion or a fall.
When this happens, a bone is forced out
of its socket which can be very painful.
Dislocations leave the joint immobilised
and need immediate treatment.
• Rotator cuff injury: Four muscles
work together to form the rotator cuff
that keeps your shoulder moving in all
directions. Rotator cuff injuries often
occur in people who play sports or
have jobs in which they have to perform
overhead actions. Treatments include
anti-inflammatories, cold therapy or a
sling.
• ACL tear: The Anterior Cruciate
Ligament is one of the major ligaments
in your knee. This injury is extremely
common amongst athletes, especially
footballers. Swelling is very common
after tearing an ACL and it can be
difficult to apply pressure to the knee
or even walk. Although a very serious
injury, surgery is not always required
if those suffering with a tear follow a
tailored rehabilitation plan.
• Fractures: These injuries are very
serious and typically come with a long
recovery time. Bones can break from
a fall or being hit by an object. Often
if a main bone is broken, you should
immediately ring 999 for an ambulance,
especially if the bone is located in your
back, leg or neck.
• Tennis elbow (epicondylitis):
Epicondylitis is often caused through
arduous use of muscles and tendons
near elbow joints. This injury is often
caused by putting repetitive stress
through the elbow joint, typically within
activities such as tennis, badminton or
even playing a string instrument. This
kind of injury often heals itself, but cold
compresses and cold therapies can
help speed up the process.
Diagnosing your injury
When it comes to diagnosing your
injury, it can be difficult to know where
to go for the best help and treatment.
The main advice is always to refrain
from researching your symptoms on
the internet. Often you will find over
simplified answers or contradicting
advice, but there is no one-size-fits-all.
For sprains, strains and minor
injuries, head to your pharmacist for
recommendations on what medication