Injuries to bones, tendons, and joints are very common among people who lead physically active lives. Athletes are particularly prone to certain injuries like sprained ankles, ACL tears, tennis elbow, and shin splints, among others. If you have a sports injury, you’ll need to see a doctor who specializes in Orthopedics in Commerce TX. You’ll also need to do a few things at home to take care of your injury and help it heal. The following are some tips from orthopedists for home care for sports injuries.
First of all, it’s important to take the pressure off your injury by resting. If you’ve hurt your foot, knee, or any other part of your leg, don’t bear any weight on that leg until your injury has had a chance to heal. Your orthopedist can advise you regarding the length of time you need to rest because it will depend on the severity of your injury.
Use ice to reduce swelling and inflammation. Place an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables) on the injury for ten to twenty minutes several times a day, and make sure not to use heat in the first few days. Heat could include a hot bath or a warming topical medicine like Icy Hot. When applying a cold pack, don’t put it directly on the skin; instead, wrap it in a towel first.
Use compression to keep the injured area from swelling with fluid. You can use an Ace bandage wound tightly around the area or a compression sleeve, which is like a tight sock that you can wear on an arm or a leg. Make sure that the compression isn’t so tight that you experience tingling, numbness, coolness, or swelling below the bandage or sleeve. You’ll want to use compression for two to three days unless your orthopedist recommends otherwise.
Keep the injury elevated above your heart in order to promote drainage of accumulated blood and fluids at the injury site. This can lessen swelling and pain.
In addition, you can take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain and inflammation. For more information about Orthopedics in Commerce TX, check out Paris Orthopedic Clinic PA.