Sports injuries are common in athletes and children because of their physical activities. These injuries are often the result of accidents during play or exercise, improper form or equipment, and lack of conditioning, among others. Sports injuries are categorized as acute or chronic, depending on whether it happened instantly or over a long period. Some sports injuries are mild and can be treated at home with rest, but others are more serious and require a hospital visit.
Is your injury serious? Here are several symptoms that indicate you need immediate medical care for your sports injury.
Severe Pain
Pain from an acute sports injury can be relieved with RICE therapy: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This method reduces pain and inflammation and speeds up the healing process. However, it does not help with more serious injuries. So, if pain worsens even after 48 hours of rest or persists even when at rest, you may have a severe injury.
Chronic pain during play or exercise is a symptom of a more serious sports injury that requires immediate medical attention. This symptom may indicate damaged cartilage and ligaments.
It is important to note that fractures always require immediate medical attention to prevent further complications like nerve or blood vessel damage and infection. Severe pain, which can get worse with movement, is one of its symptoms alongside tenderness and bruising.
Loss of Function
Pain is normal after a sports injury, but it is a serious problem if it affects your mobility and stability. Loss of function usually indicates severe sprains or strains or structural damage to bone, ligaments, tendons, or cartilage. It requires immediate medical care as it can result in complications that will further make it difficult for you to do your daily activities. For instance, a sprained joint that is severely painful and can’t bear weight or move may also cause a fracture.
Swelling
Minor swelling and tenderness is a common symptom of many sports injuries. However, if the swelling does not subside even after conservative measures or several weeks, it may indicate a more serious injury. Tendinitis, second-degree sprains, and bursitis are some conditions that may show swelling that requires medical attention. Severe tendinitis may result in a tendon rupture, which may require surgery, and tendinosis, which results in degenerative changes in your tendons.
Skin Discolorations or Contusions
Skin discoloration or bruising is a sign of internal bleeding. In addition to making it difficult for you to move the affected joint, a severely sprained joint may also have bruising.
Hematoma, in particular, is a type of bruise often incurred from a major fall that indicates skin and tissue damage. This type of bruising will also be painful and may appear swollen. You need to see a doctor for this type of bruise as it may indicate extensive damage to your blood vessels or internal organs due to your injury.
Fever
When you develop a fever after incurring a sports injury, then you may have an infection. Open wounds from fractures can be infected as bacteria or fungi may enter it. If left untreated, an infection may cause complications as it spreads to nearby bones and other parts of your body. It can also prevent your wound from healing completely.
Sports Injury Treatment and Management in Dallas, Texas
Minor cases of sports injuries require conservative measures and over-the-counter medications only. However, if symptoms persist and significantly affect your movement, seek immediate medical help. Ignoring these lingering signs may lead to further complications that can have a negative impact on your performance.
At Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine, our providers are sure to give you quality patient-centered care for your sports injuries. Through our different treatment methods, we hope to help you improve your physical performance and overall well-being. For your inquiries and concerns, you may call our office at (972) 503-7272 or use our online form to request an appointment.
