In sports, exercise and daily life, injuries are an unfortunate occurrence. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 39.4 million emergency room visits due to injuries each year in the United States. Bone, joint, and muscle injuries can vary in severity and treatment method. A physician can help determine the best course of action for injuries large and small, from rest to surgical intervention,
R.I.C.E.
The standard treatment for injuries is the R.I.C.E. treatment -- rest, ice, compression and elevation -- according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. R.I.C.E. treatment helps to protect an injury as well as repair damaged tissue; the first two to three days are an injury are crucial in controlling scarring and reducing the amount of swelling. The first step in the R.I.C.E. treatment is to rest the injured body part. Do not resume normal activity until you are pain-free. Second, you should ice the injury. Using a chemical cold bag or a bag of ice wrapped in a towel, ice the injured body part for 15 minutes at a time in hourly intervals. Compressing the injured body part with an elastic bandage can help reduce the swelling related to your injury. Finally, it is important to elevate your injury. Keep the injured limb above your heart as frequently as possible. This can help drain fluid from the injury.
Bone Injuries
According to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania, the treatment of bone injuries depend largely on the type of injury sustained, location of the injury, the patient's age, and the patient's medical history. If a fracture is suspected, the affected area will be immobilized. Minor bone injuries can be treated with a cast, brace, splint, sling or crutches. More severe fractures may require surgical repair. Another injury to the bone is a stress fracture. Depending on the location of the fracture, a stress fracture may require no more than rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and discontinuing physical activity. Stress fractures are overuse injuries.
Joint Injuries
Common joint injuries include sprains and dislocations. These injuries occur most frequently in the shoulder, elbow, finger, hip, knee and ankle joints. Sprains can often be treated by immobilization, ice, restricting activity and anti-inflammatory medications. Dislocations are treated by manuevering this dislocated bone back into place. According to MayoClinic.com, this procedure may be performed under local or general anesthetic. Once the bones are back in place, pain should improve. The newly placed joint is likely to require immobilization for several weeks.
Muscle Injuries
Muscles injuries can range from minor to severe. In the event of a muscle pull or strain, R.I.C.E is the first course of action. Immobilization is a possibility for more severe strains. According to Hershey Medical Center, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy may also be advisable. Ruptured or torn muscles may require surgical repair.
Warnings
Only a physician can properly diagnose and treatment injuries of the bones, joints, and muscles. Only a doctor can order diagnostic testing to rule out or confirm injuries.
References
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics: RICE
- Penn State University, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Bone Fracture
- MayoClinic.com: Dislocation: Treatment and Drugs
- Penn State University, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Muscle Strain
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Emergency Department Visits
