Acute Injury Signs
Acute Injury Management.
To correctly manage an acute injury, awareness of the following warning signs is essential. While specific injuries may be immediately noticeable, others can gradually worsen. Failing to address both types of injuries can lead to chronic problems. Please refer to the injury by body part section for comprehensive information on specific injuries.
Injury Warning Signs
Do not overlook these warning signs of injury:
Joint Pain
Never dismiss joint pain, especially in the knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist joints. Since these joints lack muscle coverage, the pain is unlikely to originate from muscles. If joint pain persists for more than 48 hours, seek a professional diagnosis.
Tenderness
If pressing your finger on a specific bone, muscle, or joint point elicits pain, it may indicate a significant injury. Suppose the same spot on the opposite side of your body does not cause similar pain. In that case, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Swelling
Virtually all sports or musculoskeletal injuries result in swelling. Swelling accompanies pain, redness, and heat in many cases. Swelling is typically visible but can occasionally give a sensation of fullness despite looking normal.
Reduced Range of Motion
If swelling is not apparent, check for a reduced range of motion in a joint. Significant swelling within a joint can limit your range of motion. Compare one side of your body to the other to identify significant differences, which may indicate an injury requiring attention.
Weakness
Assess for weakness by performing the same task on both sides of your body. For instance, lifting the same weight with your right and left sides can reveal discrepancies. Similarly, try placing body weight on one leg and then the other to detect variations in your ability to support weight. Noticeable differences suggest an injury that necessitates attention.
Immediate Injury Treatment: Step-by-Step Guidelines
Take immediate action to treat your injury with the following step-by-step guidelines:
- Stop the activity immediately to prevent further damage.
- Wrap the injured part with a compression bandage to provide support and limit swelling.
- Apply ice to the injured area using a bag of crushed ice or a frozen vegetable bag. Ice helps reduce pain and swelling.
- Elevate the injured part above heart level to minimise swelling further.
- Consult your health practitioner for a proper diagnosis, especially if you suspect a severe injury.
- Under professional guidance, engage in a rehabilitation program tailored to your injury for optimal recovery.
- If you’re not experiencing improvement, seek a second opinion to ensure thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Remember, taking immediate steps and seeking professional help can significantly contribute to your injury recovery. Act promptly and prioritise your well-being.
