Emergency Management of Common Sports Injuries
Apr 01, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
1. Abrasion: A superficial injury to the epidermis. If the abrasion is shallow, application of iodine tincture or mercurochrome solution is sufficient.
2. Muscle strain: Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the tender area for 30 minutes to induce vasoconstriction and reduce local hyperemia.
3. Contusion: After 24 hours of cold therapy, a blood-activating and stasis-resolving tincture may be applied; additionally, topical application of a “injury-dampness-relieving and pain-alleviating” plaster is recommended.
Athletes lacking foundational knowledge of exercise training are prone to sports injuries. What, then, are the appropriate first-aid measures for common sports injuries? Below, we address this question.
First-Aid Management of Common Sports Injuries
1. Abrasions: Superficial injuries involving only the epidermis. For minor abrasions, application of tincture of iodine or red medicine water (merbromin) is sufficient. If the wound is contaminated or exhibits oozing blood, clean it thoroughly with normal saline before applying red medicine water or gentian violet solution.
2. Muscle Strains: Injuries resulting from tearing of muscle fibers, typically caused by overexertion or inadequate warm-up. The severity of injury can often be gauged by the degree of pain experienced. Upon onset of pain, immediately cease physical activity and apply an ice pack or cold towel directly to the affected area for 30 minutes to induce vasoconstriction, thereby reducing local congestion and edema. Avoid massage or heat application.
3. Contusions: Soft-tissue injuries caused by blunt-force impact. Mild contusions require no specific treatment; after initial cold therapy for 24 hours, topical applications of circulation-enhancing and stasis-resolving tinctures may be used, along with herbal plasters such as “Shang Shi Zhi Tong Gao” (Trauma-Dampness Pain-Relieving Plaster). Apply cold compresses on the first day post-injury and switch to heat therapy on the second day. Bruising typically resolves within approximately one week. For more severe contusions, mix Yunnan Baiyao (a traditional Chinese herbal powder) with white liquor, apply topically to the injured site, and bandage securely. Change the dressing every other day, applying two to three times daily.
4. Joint Sprains: Occur when a joint undergoes sudden, forceful twisting, damaging the ligaments and tendons surrounding it. Commonly affect the ankle, knee, wrist, and lumbar spine. Treatment varies depending on the affected joint. For mild sprains, immobilize the joint with an elastic bandage and apply cold compresses. Severe sprains warrant prompt medical evaluation and professional care.
The above outlines first-aid management strategies for common sports injuries. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
