sports+injury

=Dealing with a sports injury=

//A man hops into your pharmacy with a sore ankle, injured during a game of soccer. How do you treat it?//

Problem
Need to determine the severity of the injury, which will help you decide the course of action.

Questions to ask
- How long ago did it happen? //if it only happened a few hours ago, that may mean that it could be serious// - What symptoms are you experiencing? //marked swelling, bruising and pain suggests serious injury and referral// - How did it occur? //if they are not able to bear their full weight when walking, then referral is needed// - Does your ankle have full range of motion? //if not, then refer for further assessment// - Could you describe your pain?

In general, patients will present with pain swelling and bruising. The severity of the injury will be determined by the severity of these symptoms.

What to do
- For all acute soft tissue injuries, the immediate treatment is RICER. After approximately 48 hours, gentle movement should be introduced (movements that gently stretch the scar tissue along the lines of force of the injured tissue will lead to a stronger, more flexible result). - Paracetamol (with codeine if needed) for pain relief. - Avoid NSAIDs for first 48hours (reduces inflammatory response and may actually delay acute healing, slow muscle regeneration and compromise long term healing. Also increased bleeding and swelling due to inhibited platelet aggregation)

Resources
[|PSA Facts behind the Fact Card - Sports Injuries] [|Should NSAIDs be routinely used in the treatment of sprains and strains?:] explains the difference between sprains and strains, and why NSAIDs should not be used as early treatment for soft tissue injury