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Based on the most frequently asked questions we receive, the following are a few key tips for administering first aid immediately after a sports-related injury occurs. Please note, this information should not substitute a medical checkup or consultation with a physician.
What is a sprain & how is it treated?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, & typical involves stretching a ligament too far from its normal position. A ligament is a thick, tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones together. Most commonly injured ligaments include the ankle, knee & wrist. The severity of a sprain is divided into three grades:
Grade 1 involves some stretching or minor tearing of a ligament. Joint remains stable. Symptoms include mild joint pain, swelling & stiffness. Some athletes may find it difficult to apply pressure to the joint.
Grade 2 involves moderate tearing of a ligament. Joint is somewhat unstable. Symptoms include moderate to severe pain, difficulty applying pressure to the joint, joint swelling & stiffness as well as minor bruising.
Grade 3 involves a total rupture of a ligament & gross instability of the joint. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling & extensive bruising.
Treatment of sprains varies by the severity & location of the sprain. Typically, grade 1 & low-grade 2 sprains are treated by using the R.I.C.E. treatment (Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation). For grade 2 & grade 3 sprains, seek professional medical attention.
What is a strain & how is it treated?
Muscles attach on each side of a joint by thick bands of fibrous tissue called tendons. Muscles allow movement throughout the body. A strain is an injury, most commonly overstretching or tearing, to a muscle or tendon. Damage may occur in three ways:
- Muscle alone can tear
- Muscle & tendon blend can tear
- Tendon can partially tear or completely rupture
Treatment of strains varies by the severity of the strain. Ice treatment is most commonly used for acute strains. Ice can help minimize swelling around the injury. If pain, loss of function or lack of strength in the joint continue, seek professional medical attention.
What is heat illness & how can it be prevented?
Exertional heat illness, even heat stroke, can be life-threatening for athletes. Yet it is totally preventable. Muscle cramps are a mild form of heat illness. To prevent heat illness & muscle cramping:
- Drink 12 – 16 ounces of water one half to one hour before physical activity.
- Drink eight ounces of water for every half hour exposed to hot sun. If possible, drink eight to 12 ounces of beverages high in electrolytes each hour (i.e., Gatorade).
- Heat loss is greatest from the head. Allow time to cool down by removing helmets when not engaged in physical activity.
At the first signs of heat illness, such as muscle cramping, light-headedness, dehydration, etc., remove headgear, drink fluids & find shade from the sun. If symptoms continue, seek professional medical attention.
What are common ways to prevent muscle injuries?
Stretching & warm-ups before any type of exercise significantly decreases the risk of muscle injuries.
- Jog for five minutes to increase blood flow to muscles.
- Stretch each major muscle group for one to two minutes.
- Complete a few body weight exercises (i.e., pushups, situps, jumping jacks, etc.).
Note: neck rolls & double leg raises are NOT recommended as these can cause neck and/or lower back injuries.
What first aid is recommended for new acute injuries?
Immediately after a sports-related injury, it’s essential to check that there is no immediate environmental danger which could potentially harm the injured athlete. Then determine the following:
- Is the patient conscious & responsive?
- Can the patient breathe adequately? Airway should be clear & unobstructed.
- Is the patient’s circulation adequate?
Administering the R.I.C.E. treatment can help comfort the patient, lessen pain & reduce swelling:
- Rest – provide crutches or slings, if necessary.
- Ice – apply an ice pack on the injury for 20 to 30 minutes, three times per day for the first 72 hours.
- Compression – wrap the injury, if possible, with an ace wrap.
- Elevation – arm injuries should be elevated above the heart; leg injuries should be elevated above the hips.
As needed for pain, & to further reduce swelling or inflammation, take ibuprofen (i.e., Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (i.e., Aleve) as directed. If pain or swelling increases, or if injured area is not functional, seek professional medical attention.
What is a concussion & how is it diagnosed?
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention define a concussion as a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that can change the way a brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head & brain to move quickly back & forth.
Immediately following a head injury:
- Check athlete’s memory for details on how the injury happened.
- Ask about headache, light headedness & orientation (ask such questions as, “What day is it?”, “Where are you?” & “Who are you?”).
- Give the athlete three simple things to remember (i.e., a single-digit number, a basic object & a primary color). Ask the athlete to repeat these items to you after five minutes.
If the athlete doesn’t respond well to these tests, seek professional medical attention.
You can also download the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s Concession in Sports Palm Card, which is designed to help you recognition & manage concussions.
Sports Med Utah Offers ImPACT™ Testing
ImPACT™ (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment & Cognitive Testing) is a widely used & proven computerized concussion evaluation system. Involving a 20-minute pre-injury online evaluation, & a post-injury neurocognitive test, ImPACT™ helps to objectively evaluate an athlete's post-injury condition & to individually track recovery for safe return to play after suffering a concussion. For more information, phone (801) 502-3988 or download Sports Med Utah’s ImPACT™ information sheet.
Want to test your knowledge about concussions? Visit our Concussion Quiz.
How are upper extremity injuries evaluated
(i.e., hands, elbows & shoulders)?
Immediately after an injury to an athlete’s upper body, arm(s) or shoulder(s), use the following tips to evaluate whether or not professional medical attention is needed:
- Determine if there is any numbness, tingling & changes in sensation in the injured joint.
- Check grip strength; check for pain & strength when pulling up & pushing down on hands or arms.
- Hold arms straight in front & to the side; check for pain or discomfort when pushing down on arms
- For wrist injuries, rotate the wrist from palm facing down to palm facing up (if the athlete experience increased pain, there is a possibility of a wrist fracture).
If any weakness, significant pain or sensation changes, seek professional medical attention.
How are lower joint injuries evaluated
(i.e., hips, knees & ankles)?
Immediately after an injury to an athlete’s lower body, conduct the following physical test. If the athlete can perform these activities with minimal or no pain, the athlete has a very minor injury & can continue playing. If these activities cause any pain or discomfort, seek professional medical attention.
- Determine if there is any numbness, tingling & changes in sensation in the injured joint.
- Stand on the injured leg only, maintain balance & complete a single-legged squat.
- Standing again on the injured leg alone, complete three toe raises.
- If the above activities don’t cause pain or discomfort, jog 30 yards & sprint back.
- If jogging doesn’t cause pain or discomfort, complete three zig zags (three steps then cut left or right).
Coach’s Quick Care Guides
The following materials are designed to help you recognize & effectively treat sports-related injuries while on the playing field.
Download Sports Med Utah’s Quick Care Booklet as it will help your on-field medical staff determine how to diagnose & treat:
- Head injuries
- Upper extremity injuries (arms)
- Lower extremity injuries (legs)
- Back & neck injuries
Developed for the UTE Football Conference, download Sports Med Utah’s Coaches Quick Care Guide.
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