So, you just got hurt during the game…

Be it a twisted knee, ankle, or arm, sports injuries are very common in athletes. They can happen in any sport, at any level of competition, and to any athlete. Coaches, parents, and teammates need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of sports injuries in order to make sure they are taking care of their bodies during practices and competitions.

What to if you get injured

The first thing to do when you get hurt is to stop playing. If it’s something that can wait, sit out for a few minutes and give the injury time to cool down. Ice pack or heating pad, use the basics to ease the initial discomfort. Once you are ready to play again, check yourself. If your ankle hurts, take off that sock so you can see how swollen your ankle or foot is. If it’s your shoulder, how’s the range of motion and pain? Whatever the injured part is, make sure you won’t make it worse by getting back in the game.

Obviously, if it looks like they need medical attention, call an ambulance right away or contact us.

Preventing sports injuries before they happen

Preventing sports injuries can make a significant difference in your ability to stay active and enjoy the sports you love. If you guard against getting hurt, you’re less likely to get hurt. Makes sense, right? Use that helmet, mouth guard, face mask, those shin guards, elbow pads, or whatever safety equipment has been made for your sport of choice, because it was made for a good reason.