Sports Injuries

Information and tips related to common Sports Injuries are outlined below.

Diagnosis & Symptoms

The Achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue that attaches the muscles of the calf to the heel bone. Its primary function is to allow the foot to extend, and it enables the athlete to push off of the foot when walking, running or sprinting. Achilles tendonitis is caused by a force on the tendon greater than its own strength such as running up and down hills which will put an additional strain on the tendon.

Achilles tendon injuries can range from a mild tendonitis or inflammation to severing of the tendon. The most common causes are repetitive stress from overuse and/or poor stretching. They can also be caused by increased stress on the tendon due to hyperpronation, (greater than normal inward movement of the foot). Sudden changes of direction may place the tendon under increased stress and lead to injury. Repeated activity on an inflamed tendon may lead to further damage or rupture.

Achilles tendon injuries are common in sports which involve a lot of jumping, sprinting. or kicking. The site of injury is normally the point of least blood supply.

Symptoms

Symptoms normally include inflammation and pain and limitation or inability to move the foot especially in raising the heel off the ground. In more severe cases of tendon rupture there may be a sensation of a sharp blow to the calf, followed by pain and swelling.

Preventative Measures

Preventative measures include proper warm-up and stretching routine and strengthening of the muscles, ligaments and tendons around the calf, ankle and foot. If your medical professional advises a return to activity following injury, it is important to wear protective strapping or an ankle support until the injury is healed. Heel lifts are sometimes recommended.

Be aware of any pain in the achilles tendon and make sure to treat any sign of tendonitis with RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. A change of footwear or orthotic insoles may be beneficial.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Ankle sprains are caused by damage to ligament(s) surrounding the ankle. The severity ranges from over-stretching to rupture of the ligament. The ligament can be over-stretched or torn or become detached from the bone, The most common ankle sprain is damage to the lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle caused by twisting or turning.

In more severe cases a number of ligaments can be involved. Recurrent sprains may result in chronic ankle instability.

Symptoms

Symptoms include swelling, pain, tenderness and a weakness of the ankle on standing/walking. In the more severe cases which involves a snapping or tearing sensation, or instability when trying to put weight on the ankle or persistent and prolonged swelling, pain and tenderness, specialised medical advice may be required.

Preventative Measures

Exercises that build up flexibility and strength in the ankle muscles and ligaments will help prevent injury. For athletes who have had a serious ankle injury a specific programme may be designed by your physiotherapist or doctor.

Strapping may be of benefit for competition. Strapping should be completed by a trained professional.

Ankle supports are available in a variety of forms including those reinforced with braces/splints to restrict movement in a particular direction. For specific injuries consult your medical professional advice on the most appropriate support. A change of footwear or orthotic insoles may also be beneficial.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Back injuries may be caused by several different factors but mostly relate to muscular, ligament or tendon damage in the lower back or lumbar region. Most people will experience back pain or injury at some stage of their life. The severity may range from mild short term pain to more severe conditions which may last several years or require surgery.

The back consists of a column of vertebrae, separated by discs, that runs from the neck to the tailbone. A complicated structure of muscles and ligaments is joined to the vertebral column and is responsible for movement. Overstretching or damage to any of these muscles ligaments or discs may result in back pain.

The most common cause is overstretched muscles or ligaments in the lower back. This may be the result of sudden movement such as twisting, turning or bending. Lifting heavy weights may place extra stress on the back and result in damage. Direct damage through contact sports such as rugby or football may be another reason. Poor sitting, standing or lying posture may result in back injury or pain.

Symptoms

Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness and occasionally muscle spasm.

Preventative Measures

Proper warm-up and stretching routines are vitally important in prevention. Never stretch in a jerky fashion. Strengthening and flexibility may be particularly important in preparing the back for sport.

Particular care and attention should be paid to addressing muscle imbalances. This could be a result of strengthening abdominal muscles without a corresponding strengthening of back muscles. Strengthening of legs, arms and shoulders may be helpful. Seek professional advice before exercising on a current injury.

Incorrect sports technique may be a contributory factor. Incorrect performance gym exercise such as abdominal crunches are often a source of injury as is poor weightlifting routine. Poor posture in sports such as cycling, motorsport and horseriding should be corrected. Technique should be assessed in sports involving sudden twisting or turning such as tennis or golf.

Lifestyle factors must also be examined. These include everything from sitting, standing and lying posture, choice of beds, or car seat. A wide variety of orthopaedic beds, chairs, chair inserts and lumbar rolls are available to help correct the problem.

Biomechanical assessment may show up deficiencies in walking or running gait which may predispose individuals to back injury. Specialised shoe inserts, orthotics, may be useful in some instances. Regular stretching is recommended when sitting or driving for long periods. Correct lifting technique is vital. The back should be kept straight while lifting while bending the knees. Lifting should be performed in a smooth, not jerky fashion. Being overweight may be a contributory factor in back pain or injury. Back supports may provide extra support for weakened backs. In the case of repeated or long term injury, specialised medical advice may be necessary.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Calf strains are caused by damage to the muscles or tendons in the calf. This is sometimes caused by repetitive stress through overuse.

Mild strains occur due to mildly overstretched calf muscle. Moderate strains can involve some tearing of muscle or tendon fibres. Strains are classified as severe when there is complete rupture of muscle or tendon and in its more severest it can involve detachment of the calf muscle from the bone.

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend greatly on the severity of injury and may include pain on movement and tenderness and swelling.

Preventative Measures

Proper warm-up and stretching routines are vital before exercising. Exercises that build up flexibility and strength in the calf muscles and tendons will help prevent injury. A change of footwear or orthotic insoles may be advised.

To prevent re-injury, compression may be useful. This may be achieved by strapping or by using a calf support.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Foot sprains are caused by damage to ligament(s) in the foot, which occurs when the ligament is over-stretched, while foot strains are caused by damage to the muscles or tendons in the foot.

Symptoms

Symptoms include swelling and tenderness and pain on movement.

Preventative Measures

Exercises that build up flexibility and strength in the ankle muscles tendons and ligaments will help prevent injury.

Strapping may be of benefit for competition. Strapping should be completed by a trained professional.

Ankle supports are available in a variety of forms including those reinforced with braces/splints to restrict movement in a particular direction. For specific injuries consult your medical professional advice on the most appropriate support. A change of footwear or orthotic insoles may also be beneficial.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Groin strain normally refers to overstretching of the adductor longus muscle on the inside of the thigh. Tearing often occurs at the junction between the tendon and the muscle or at the junction between the tendon and the pelvic bone.

Groin strains may be caused by sudden starts and stops, but more often by quick changes of direction or sideways movements. The injury is therefore more prevelant in field sports such as soccer, rugby, hurling or those involving sideways movements such as tennis or badminton.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include pain on movement or stretching, swelling and tenderness, loss of strength. Occasionally athletes experience a crackling feeling or sound when pressure is applied with the fingers.

Groin strains should not be confused with other injuries which may present similar symptoms. These can include a strained quadriceps muscle at the junction to the hip joint. Bone injuries or hernias may also be responsible for symptoms.

It is recommended to have the injury examined by a medical professional for accurate diagnosis.

Preventative Measures

Proper warm-up and stretching routines are vitally important in prevention. If you are predisposed to a particular type of injury your medical professional will devise a suitable stretching and warm-up programme for you. This will involve not only stretching of the specific adductor longus muscle but of all associated muscle groups for improved strength and flexibility.

Specific exercises to strengthen the muscles may be recommended in some cases. The area may be difficult to strap and many competitors will resort to wearing lyca "bicycle shorts" which provide support.

Biomechanical assessment may show up deficiencies in gait or posture which may predispose individuals to groin strains. Specialised shoe inserts, orthotics, may be useful in some instances. In the case of athletes with existing injury adequate rest is very important. Never exercise on an injured groin without the advice of a medical professional. Stretching should be introduced gradually, again on professional advice.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Hamstring strains are caused by a tearing of the muscle fibres in one or more of the four hamstring muscles. The severity will depend on the amount of tearing. Tearing will normally occur at the weakest point. Mild hamstring strains as due to slight tearing of muscle fibres, while moderate strains are due tor partial tearing of the hamstring muscle. Severe strains are due to the complete rupture of hamstring muscle.

The hamstring muscles are found at the rear of the thigh and run from the pelvis to just below the knee. They are important in flexing the leg and bending the knee .

Symptoms

Symptoms include sharp pain, severe muscle spasm and a tearing or snapping sensation. Swelling and bruising may occur. The running athlete will pull up suddenly.
Hamstring strains normally occur when a sudden severe stress is applied to the muscles such as sprinting. Repetitive overuse may also lead to injury.

Preventative Measures

As the hamstrings and quadriceps are both used during sprinting it is important to ensure that there is no strength or flexibility imbalance between these muscle groups. In cases of repeated hamstring injuries the athlete should be assessed and a suitable exercise and stretching programme devised to counteract this. Warm-up and stretching is very important before exercise. Athletes should gradually increase activity through a warm-up before sprinting.

Biomechanical assessment may show up deficiencies in gait or posture which may predispose individuals to injury. Specialised shoe inserts, orthotics, may be useful in this instance.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the smallest of the four main ligaments in the knee and is primarily responsible for stability when an athlete changes direction.

Many soccer stars including Alan Shearer, Paul Gascoigne and Roy Keane made successful recoveries following surgery to repair rupture of this ligament.

Symptoms

Those affected will normally be able to run straight ahead with no apparent difficulty. However, a change in direction will make the knee collapse with little or no warning. The severity of the injury is determined by the extent of damage to the ligament which in some cases may be completely severed. Swelling, pain and stiffness normally occur quickly after the initial injury and may make full diagnosis difficult.

Preventative Measures

Proper warm-up and stretching is essential. Leg muscle strengthening through exercises and weights may also prove beneficial. Flexibility and strength of tendons and leg muscles such as quadriceps and hamstrings is essential so they can absorb stress and shock.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located on the inside of the knee connecting the femur (thigh) with the tibia (shin). The primary function of the MCL is stability of the inside of the knee.

MCL injury is normally caused by a blow such as a tackle or kick to the outside of the knee. This in turn results in overstretching or tearing of the medial collateral ligament on the inside of the knee. It may aslo result from sudden stress such as a quick turn.

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the severity of the injury. Again, this is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

A mild injury is associated with nor stiffness and pain on the inside of the knee. An injury is classified as moderate, when there is moderate pain, tenderness and sometimes swelling, on the inside of the knee and occasionally instability.With a severe MCL injury there is much pain and tenderness in addition to swelling on the inside of the knee and instabilty of the joint.

Preventative Measures

Proper warm-up and stretching is essential. Leg muscle strengthening through exercises and weights may also prove beneficial. Flexibility and strength of tendons and leg muscles such as quadriceps and hamstrings is essential so they can absorb stress and shock.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Runner's knee is caused by damage to the area behind the patella, or kneecap, causing the patella to rub against the femur bone. Some athletes have a genetic predispostition to developing runners knee as their patella is raised more than normal. Other causes can include tightness of muscle groups such as hamstrings and quadriceps which force the patella out of its normal rotational displacement.

Symptoms

Symptoms of runner's knee include a sharp pain directly behind the kneecap or a dull pain in the front of the knee. Initially the pain occurs during down hill running, but then occurs during all running and eventually at all times especially when walking down steps. Pain is generally worse immediately after exercise or after sitting for long periods.

Preventative Measures

Proper warm-up and stretching is essential. Leg muscle strengthening through exercises and weights may also prove beneficial. For athletes with a current injury, running should be stopped until it can be done without pain. Your medical professional will be able to devise a specific rehabilitation programme. Riding a bicycle (if this does not cause pain) may be an option. Alternatively, you may be advised to commence rowing or swimming. Stretching of hamstrings, quadriceps will increase flexibility and may help prevent the problem worsening. Specific strengthening exercises which strengthen the "vastus medialis", which pulls on the patella, may be devised by your medical professional depending on the specific cause of the injury.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Two types of cartilage are found in the knee, the meniscus and articular.

Meniscus cartilage lubricates, reduces friction and acts as a shock absorber at the junction of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Meniscus cartilage is liable to tearing during severe or repeated impact.

Articular, or hyaline, cartilage covers the ends of the femur and tibia and is responsible for smooth movement by reducing friction.

Symptoms

Torn cartilage often occurs suddenly, with a tearing sensation, followed by severe pain and swelling. The athlete may fall over and have difficulty walking. Long term symptoms often include pain on the side of the knee during turning or twisting. Joint instability or a locking sensastion often occur. Occasionally a clicking sound is heard on movement.

Preventative Measures

Prevention centres around reducing impact damage. Every pound in excess of normal weight is equivalent to three or four pounds extra pressure on the knee during maximum exercise. Proper warm-up and stretching is essential. Leg muscle strengthening through exercises and weights may help prevent injury. Flexibility and strength of tendons and muscles such as quadriceps and hamstrings is essential so they can absorb stress and shock.

Repetitive impact sports such as running are more likely to result in cartilage damage than non-impact sports such as swimming or cycling.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Neck sprain is caused by overstretching of the ligaments in the neck. Neck strains are caused by damage to the muscles or tendons in the neck. The severity will depend on the extent of damage and will range from mild overstretching of ligaments to complete rupture of ligaments, muscles or tendons.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, tenderness, restricted movement and muscle spasm.

Preventative Measures

Proper warm-up and stretching routines are vitally important in prevention. Strengthening and flexibility may be particularly important in certain sports such as boxing and soccer. Seek professional advice before exercising on a current injury. Incorrect sports technique may be a contributory factor, for example, incorrect heading technique in soccer may predispose to injury.

In some sports such as rugby, incorrect technique in scrummaging and tackling may lead to very serious neck injury. Incorrect performance gym exercise such as abdominal crunches are often a source of injury as is poor weightlifting routine. Poor posture in sports such as cycling, motorsport should be corrected.

In the case of repeated or long term injury, professional advice should be obtained. All lifestyle factors such as sitting and standing posture, choice of beds and pillows etc may need to be examined.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Rehabilitation

Advice from a Doctor or Physiotherapist should be sought before incresaing activity following an injury. Initially, gentle movement should be encouraged within the limits of pain. Such morements can be increased to gentle stretches, which can be either active (where the patient does selected stretching techniques), or passive (where another person puts the joint through the stretching movements).

Remember never to stretch in a jerky fashion as this may lead to further damage to the affected muscle or tissue. Stretching is important in order to prevent scar tissue from forming. Scar tissue may decrease the tissues flexibility and range of movement. Your doctor or physiotherapist will be able to devise a suitable stretching programme for your specific injury.

Strapping

Strapping is a simple way of providing support for the affected tissue while allowing a full range of natural movements for rehabilitation purposes. It also reduces swelling and inflammation.

Strapping can be achieved with an elasticated compression bandage or crepe bandage such as ELASTOCREPE. Adhesive elasticated bandages (ELASTOPLAST) , will provide more support but can restrict movement while non-elasticated strapping tapes restrict movement still further. These are generally only used for competition purposes. The use of PRORAP underneath the adhesive strapping will ensure easier and less painful removal. Care should be taken not to strap too tightly. Ideally, strapping should be completed by a trained professional.

Strapping can be carried out with an elasticated compression bandage or crepe bandage such as ELASTOCREPE. Tubular bandages such as TUBIGRIP are useful as they apply uniform pressure to the area and do not involve a complicated strapping technique. They come in a variety of sizes for different applications and are available in 0.5m and 1m lengths which can be cut or folded to size. Folding over will provide increased support and compression.

Anatomical supports are available for specific areas of the body. These are generally more useful later in the recovery process providing support when exercising on a recovering injury. Anatomical supports are available as elasticated cotton (PROSPORT and PROCARE ranges) or as more supportive but more expensive neoprene (PROCARE and VULKAN ranges). In some cases these may be reinforced with wire or metal splints to restrict movement in a particular direction, for example, in some cases of ligament damage in the knee or ankle.

Thermal supports (PROSPORT SUPATHERM range), which will increase body heat in the affected area are also available.

Anatomical supports containing magnetic healing disc, Magnetic TheraP, are extremely popular among top athletes.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy techniques including massage, ultrasound and interferential treatments are useful in the rehabilitation of an affected joint.

Excercise

Gentle mobilisation prevents loss of muscle bulk and ensures rapid healing through increased blood flow to the area. Non-weight bearing exercise, such as swimming or cycling should be used initially. Weight bearing exercises, such as walking and light jogging can then be used as the injury improves. Stretching is very important to prevent shortening of muscles and tendons by scar tissue. As the injury improves resistance (light weights) can be added to the programme. Once the injury is healed, heavier weights, at lower repetitions are used to rebuild muscle strength.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Sciatica is caused by irritation or damage to the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the legs, hip, buttocks and hamstrings. It subdivides above the knee to all muscles below the knee.

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on which branch of the nerve is irritated but normally present as intermittent back pain that radiates to the leg muscles including the hamstring or calf. Numbness in the toes is sometimes experienced.

Preventative Measures

Prevention is concentrated on avoiding abnormal lower back movements or stresses. Proper bending or lifting techniques must be observed. Strengthening of the back muscles will help stabilise the lower back.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Shin splints is a general term for any pain that exists between the knee and the ankle. Shin splints normally results from inflammation of the periostium the tissue attached to the muscle on the shin bone.

Tendonitis or stress fractures may also cause shin splints. Shin splints are normally caused by repetitive overuse, or a sudden increase in the training workload or schedule. A change of footwear may also be a contributory factor.

Symptoms

Symptoms include pain along the inside of the shin bone or tibia, pain and tenderness, and a sensation of separation of the muscles from the bone.

Persistent pain that worsens with weight-bearing activity, may indicate stress fracture. Specialist medical advice is required in this instance.

Preventative Measures

Proper warm-up and stretching routines are important. A professionally devised training programme will help limit the likelihood of shin-splints. If mild pain develops on running, switch training temporarily to a different discipline such as cycling or stepping. Rest is very important to allow the inflammation to reduce and the muscle fibres to heal.

Biomechanical assessment may show up deficiencies in gait or posture which may predispose individuals to shin splints. Specialised shoe inserts, orthotics, may be useful in some instances.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is caused by damage to the tendon that links the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle in the elbow. It is generally caused by repetitive overuse of the hand and wrist causing the tendon to become painful, inflamed or torn.

Tennis elbow is suffered by participants in racquet sports and any sport involving the use of hand and wrist. It is also common in everyday activities such as carpentry and mechanics.

Symptoms

Symptoms include pain in the lateral side of the elbow, tenderness, and pain on rotation of the hand and wrist. The symptoms worsen on repeated use and may be alleviated by applying pressure or support through a strap.

Preventative Measures

Proper warm-up and stretching routines are vitally important in prevention particularly in sports where the risk of tennis elbow is high. Strengthening exercises for the wrist, hand and forearm may be beneficial, but not in the case of a current injury. Heeding early warning signs such as pain or soreness and allowing the injured tendon sufficient time to recover will help prevent the injury progressing. Other non-sport activities such as carpentry, typing etc., may worsen the condition and should be minimised.

Injuries are likely to occur if athletes exercise the hand or wrist to a greater level than normal over an extended time period. Gradual increases in the level of activity will allow the muscles and tendons to build up strength and flexibility.

Incorrect sports technique may also be a contributory factor. Lessons from a trained instructor may be beneficial not only to your performance but also in avoiding injury. This may also be applicable in non-sports activities such as carpentry.

Tennis elbow supports may prove useful. They provide increased support but do not offer an alternative to rest which is critical in severe tendonitis.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

The body responds quickly to injury through the inflammatory response. This results in swelling and stiffness in the injured area. It is important to treat the injury as soon as possible within the first 24 hours as excessive inflammation may lengthen the healing process and can often make diagnosis difficult.

Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation (RICE)

The basic principles of treatment for the first 24 hours after injury can be summed up in the pneumonic: RICE

REST

The body needs adequate time to heal. Excessive exercise may result in further damage and inflammation. Always consult your medical professional regarding your recovery programme.

ICE

Reducing the temperature of the injured area will help to limit inflammation, swelling and pain. This may be achieved by wrapping ice in a towel or cloth and applying it to the injured area. Never apply ice directly to the skin as this may result in skin damage.

Instant ice packs are useful for emergency situations. The pack is activated by shaking the contents to the bottom of the bag, holding the centre of the bagand squeezing firmly. The bag is then shaken vigorously. This form of ice pack is useable once only.

Reuseable ice packs contain gels that may be refrigerated and are more economical for regular use. These may be purchased separately or together with a cover and strap to hold the ice pack in position. Many of these products can also be heated for use as hot-packs.

Freeze sprays are topical analgesic sprays which freeze the area to kill pain. They are not suitable for use on children under 6 years, on broken skin or on the head, fingers and toes and should not be used more than 3 times daily. The nozzle is held at least 6ins from the site of pain and sprayed for 3-5 seconds, repeated once or twice at 30 second intervals.

COMPRESSION

Compression limits swelling and provides support. This may be achieved in a number of ways.

Strapping can be carried out with an elasticated compression bandage or crepe bandage such as ELASTOCREPE. Tubular bandages such as TUBIGRIP are useful as they apply uniform pressure to the area and do not involve a complicated strapping technique. They come in a variety of sizes for different applications and are available in 0.5m and 1m lengths which can be cut or folded to size. Folding over will provide increased support and compression.

Anatomical supports are available for specific areas of the body. These are generally more useful later in the recovery process providing support when exercising on a recovering injury. Anatomical supports are available as elasticated cotton (PROSPORT and PROCARE ranges) or as more supportive but more expensive neoprene ranges. In some cases these may be reinforced with wire or metal splints to restrict movement in a particular direction, for example, in some cases of ligament damage in the knee or ankle.

Anatomical supports containing magnetic healing discs, Magnetic TheraP are extremely popular among top athletes.

ELEVATION

Elevation will help to prevent swelling by encouraging draining of the injured area. Try to rest injured legs on a foot stool when sitting or use a pillow to raise legs when sleeping. Triangular bandages or slings may be necessary for arms.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Non-prescription Treatments

The non-prescription medicines used in the immediate treatment of sports injuries include anti-inflamatory medicines (NSAIDs), both oral and topical, and pain-killing medicines (analgesics).

Anti-inflammatory Medicines

Short term treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are useful in reducing inflammation and treating pain. Anti-inflammatory medicines are available both as oral tablet and as topical preparations.

Ibuprofen is often recommended. However those allergic to aspirin, with a history of, or current stomach ulcer or other gastrointestinal disease, or those taking anticoagulant medication should not take ibuprofen. Those who are pregnant, elderly or have asthma should seek the advice of their medical practitioner.

Ibuprofen is also available in a liquid formulation for children, dosage dependent on age.

Aspirin has both anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties and is suitable for adults only. Ibuprofen is preferred to aspirin as an anti-inflammatory medicine, in the treatment of sports injuries. The contra-indications are similar to ibuprofen. Aspirin is available in a number of medicinal products, on its own or combined with either caffeine, codeine, or paracetmol, (ANADIN, ANADIN EXTRA, DISPRIN, DISPRIN EXTRA, BAYER ASPIRIN.)

Short term topical application of NSAIDs (Voltarol, DICLAC, FELDENE TOPIGEL) may be used separately or in conjunction with oral tablets. These are usually applied three times daily and provide a more localised effect, avoiding some of the side effects caused by oral administration such as stomach upset. Aspirin sensitive or asthmatic individuals or those with eczema should avoid their use. Topical NSAIDs should never be used on broken skin. The gel or cream should be rubbed in well after application. Do not cover the skin with bandages or dressings afterwards.

For further details, check our online drugs in sport section.

Pain-killers

Pain-killers are sometimes used by those who are unable to take anti-inflammatories . In these cases, paracetamol is often recommended.

Paracetamol has only analgesic activity and does not have any anti-inflammatory properties. It is less irritating to the stomach than aspirin or ibuprofen. Paracetamol is available on its own or in combination with caffeine, diphenhydramine or aspirin, as PANADOL, PANADOL EXTRA, PANADOL NIGHT, PARALIEF, HEDEX, TRAMIL and ANADIN PARACETAMOL. Your pharmacist will be able to advise on the most suitable formulation for your condition.

Alternative Therapies

Arnica, available in tablets, creams, lotions and massage balms is widely used as an aid to the healing process. The topical preparations should not be used on broken skin. Care should also be taken that the products do not stain the skin.

Further Information on the medicines listed above including dosage and contraindications are listed at www.medicines.ie

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio

Diagnosis & Symptoms

Wrist sprain is caused by damage to the wrist ligaments. These ligaments stabilise the bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) and connect to the carpal bones (between the hand and forearm).

The most common cause is by overstretching of the ligaments by falling on an outstretched hand. The severity may be classified as mild, moderate and severe ranging from stretching of ligaments to complete ligament rupture.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include swelling and pain, restriction of movement. In many cases it is advisable to have the wrist x-rayed to rule out the possibility of wrist fracture.

Preventative Measures

Proper warm-up and stretching routines are vitally important in prevention particularly in sports where the risk of wrist injury is high. Strengthening exercises are often overlooked for the wrist. Flexibility and strengthening routines may be devised by your health professional.

Wrist supports may be of use if exercising on an injury. The risk of further damage to an injured wrist is high and chronic injuries may result. Always seek the advice of a medical professional.

Some supports may also contain braces which prevent wrist movement. Wrist and hand guards may be beneficial in contact sports such as hurling.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist.

To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists - Find a Physio