Responding To Injuries

An acute injury is caused by sudden trauma. These injuries result in immediate pain, swelling and usually a loss of function.

A chronic injury is also known as an overuse injury and happens as a result of continuous stress on an area. These injuries tend to gradually develop over time.

CAUSES: when one of more of your ligaments have been stretched, twisted or torn. A result of excessive force being applied to a joint. Occurs when there is a change of direction, sudden speed, fall, landing awkwardly or a collide. SIGNS/SYMPTOMS: pain around he effected joint. Swelling & bruising. TREATMENT: R.I.C.E & paracetamol.

CAUSES: when muscle divers stretch or tear. When the muscle has been stretched beyond its limits. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: pain in the affected muscle, swelling, bruising, muscle spasms. Collection of blood in the affected muscle under the skin - dark red like bruise. TREATMENT: R.I.C.E & paracetamol.

CAUSES: open & closed fractures are caused by trauma such as a direct blow e.g. from a fall. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: open fracture - end of the bone is sticking through the skin, blood, swelling & pain. closed fracture - pain, bruising, unable to move the area & swelling. TREATMENT: keep it still using a splint, call 999 or take them to hospital. They will require an X-ray followed by a cast, sling and possibly an operation.

abrasion - cut/graze CAUSES: a cute us a tear or opening in the skin which is caused by an external factor. This could be from a fall, banging onto something or being cut by something sharp. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: opening of the skin, blood & redness. TREATMENTS: clean the cut, cover with a dressing or plaster.

CAUSES: concussion is the sudden but short - lived loss of mental function that occurs after a blow or other injury to the head. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of balance. TREATMENTS: cold compress, someone to stay with you for 48 hours after the injury.

CAUSES: friction, heat or damaged skin. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: fluid collects under the damaged skin. Blisters are filled with a clear fluid (serum) but it may be filled with blood (blood blisters) TREATMENTS: avoid bursting to stop infection, let them heal naturally.

CAUSES: overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle stain or holding a muscle in a position for too long. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: pain & tenderness. TREATMENTS: stretching, massage and heat application.

contusion - bruise CAUSES: bumps or abnormal force applied to the body. Blow to the area. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: red to blue to yellow/green. Tender. TREATMENTS: will disappear over around a week. Use a cold compress or an ice pack.

CAUSES: bones separate that are joined by a joint. Unexpected impact to the area, blow or fall. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: limited movement, painful, swollen & bruised and/or visibly out of place. TREATMENTS: you must go to a hospital (A&E) for a X-ray and so they can get the joint back into place.

CAUSES: sports that involve sudden sharp movements such as throwing or jumping. It can also be an overuse of the tendons such as running. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: pain gets worse around the affected area when moved. A lump on the affected tendon. TREATMENTS: stop exercising, rest, painkillers, ice, massage, heat packs and physiotherapy.

CAUSES: pain around the outside of the elbow. Strenuous overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm near the elbow joint. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: pain when lifting or bending your arm, pain when gripping small objects, pain on the outside of the upper forearm and stiffness when extending the arm. TREATMENT: rest and stop doing the activity. Ice daily. Painkillers, physiotherapy and in some cases surgery.

CAUSES: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: TREATMENT:

CAUSES: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: TREATMENT: