HEALTH INFORMATION

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SPORTS INJURIES AND HOW TO TREAT THEM

HEALTH INFORMATION

NORTHERN QUEENSLAND PHN

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Contents

Heat Related Illness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Common Injuries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Fracture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Slings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Soft Tissue Injuries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Sprains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Strains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Dislocations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Bruising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Eye Injuries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Tooth Injuries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Head Injuries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Head Injuries (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Spinal Injuries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Emergency Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

My Health Record is the new name of the national digital health record system. It’s a great way to help you and your health providers manage your health through a digital record that keeps your important health information – e.g. allergies, medical conditions, treatments and medicines – all in one place, online and controlled by you. To find out more, go to myhealthrecord.gov.au or call 1800 723 471.

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Heat Related Illness

Exercising in the heat creates competitive demands on the cardiovascular system, which is required to increase the blood supply to exercising muscles. In extreme heat and humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work harder to maintain a normal temperature. Most heat disorders occur because a person has been over-exposed to heat and /or has over exercised.

Sporting events or activities requiring moderate to intense exercise that are

conducted in conditions that exceed 28 degrees in hot and humid weather should be

postponed or cancelled. Ref: Sports Medicine Australia www.sma.org.au

Drink water (sports drinks do not replace water)

Ensure adequate fluid replacement before, during and after exercise. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.

Avoid drinks that cause dehydration: drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.Drink water instead of pouring it over the body as this doesn’t restore body fluids or lower body temperature.

Carry out checks on your urine. It will be a clear to light straw colour and increased in volume if you have been drinking enough water.

It is recommended that people engaging in physical activity drink:

Amount Which is approximately When

Approximately 500mls 2 to 3 glasses 2 hours prior to exercise

At least 200mls 1 glass Every 20 minutes during exercise

1.5 times fluid deficit After exercise to re-hydrate

HEALTH INFORMATION

NORTHERN QUEENSLAND PHN

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Heat Disorders

Symptoms First Aid

Sunburn » Skin redness & pain » Swelling » Blisters » Fever » Headaches

Cool shower - use soap to remove oils that may block pores & prevent the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur apply dry, sterile dressings & seek medical attention

Heat rash

Prickly heat

» Red patches, general discomfort

» Body’s ability to sweat reduced

Cleanse the affected area & dry completely.

Give regular drinks of water.

Heat cramps

» Painful cramps usually in legs & abdominal muscles

» Heavy sweating

Move to cooler location.

Stretch & gently massage affected muscles.

Give sips of water every 15 minutes

Heat exhaustion

» Heavy sweating » Fatigue » Dizziness or fainting » Headache » Nausea or vomiting » Skin: may be cold, pale

& clammy or flushed » Breathing: fast & shallow » Pulse rate: fast & weak » Stomach & leg cramps » Thirst » Loss of energy » Diminished performance » Irrational or agitated behaviour

Lie down in a cooler place.

Apply cool, wet cloths to wrists, sides of neck, underarms & groin area.

Give regular sips of water or sports drink, discontinue if nausea occurs.

If recovery is not prompt or vomiting occurs, seek medical assistance.

Heat stroke*

» High body temperature & no sweat

» Skin: may be cold, pale & clammy or flushed

» Breathing: fast & shallow » Pulse rate: fast & weak » Possible loss of consciousness

“Strip, soak, fan”

Strip off excess clothing Soak with waterFanPlacing ice in the groin and armpits may be helpful Seek medical assistance

*Heat stroke can affect a person engaging in physical activity who has not been identified as suffering from heat exhaustion and who has persisted in further activity. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can still occur where there has been good hydration. Remember: Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Don’t take any chances!

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Common Injuries

Most sports injuries are preventable. To assist in avoiding injuries, participants’ should maintain fitness, train adequately, play to standard, use the correct equipment and clothing, and cease activity as soon as a suspected injury occurs.

Chest cramps or Stitches

A ‘Stitch’ will disappear with rest and concentration on deep breathing.

Groin and testicle Injuries

The casualty should be placed on his back with knees slightly bent, and have an ice pack applied with caution to the injury site. Seek Medical Advice.

Muscle Cramps

Muscles respond to rest, application of an ice pack, then subsequent gentle stretching. Do not massage the affected muscles.

Winding

The casualty should be placed in a reclining position and reassured until he or she regains the ability to breathe. DO NOT ‘pump’ the casualty’s legs, as this delays recovery.

Tennis Elbow

This is usually a chronic condition, and presents when the elbow is over-used or over-stretched. The casualty may need medical attention for pain relief, so apply an ice-pack, support in a sling and seek medical advice.

Shin Splints

This injury is common to track athletes and footballers and is characterized by pain along the shinbone. First aid is rest, application of an ice pack, and elevation of the limb. Repetitive injury should be examined and treated by a medical professional.

HEALTH INFORMATION

NORTHERN QUEENSLAND PHN

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Fracture

When a bone is broken, or fractured, it affects not only blood production and function, but there can be complications associated with the muscles, tendons, nerves and blood vessels which are attached, or are close, to the bone. Fractures are generally classified in 3 categories, Open, Closed and Complicated.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of a Fracture may include some or all of the following:

» Pale, cool, clammy skin » Loss of power to limb » Rapid, weak pulse » Tenderness » Pain at the site » Nausea » Associated wound and blood loss » Associated organ damage

Care and Treatment

Care and treatment of fractures relies on immobilization and adequate splinting of the injury. However, if the fracture is particularly complex, the wound associated with an open fracture is difficult to control.

If the pulse to the end part of the limb (distal pulse) cannot be not be felt, then the limb should be stabilized in its current position. Urgent ambulance transport should be obtained.

Generally, fractured limbs should be made immobile and left for medical aid.

Slings

Slings are used to support an injured arm, or to supplement treatment for another injury such as fractured ribs. Generally, the most effective sling is made with a triangular bandage. Every first aid kit, no matter how small, should have at least one of these bandages as essential items.Although triangular bandages are preferable, any material, e.g.: tie, belt, or piece of thick twine or rope, can be used in an emergency. If no likely material is at hand, an injured arm can be adequately supported by inserting it inside the casualty’s shirt or blouse. Similarly, a safety pin applied to a sleeve and secured to clothing on the chest may suffice.After application of any sling, always check the circulation to the limb by feeling for the pulse at the wrist, or squeezing a fingernail and observing for change of colour in the nail bed. All slings must be in a position that is comfortable for the casualty. Never force an arm into the ‘right position’.

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Soft Tissue Injuries

Things to do » Rest » Ice » Compression » Elevation

Things not to do » Heat (no) » Alcohol (not for 24 hrs) » Rub / liniments (no) » Massage (no)

Soft tissue injuries are those injuries (excluding fractures) affecting the joints and muscles of the limbs. Sprains, strains and dislocations are considered soft tissue injuries, with some authorities also including bruising.The treatment of soft tissue injuries is based on resting the injured part, applying ice packs to limit swelling and reduce pain, the application of a firm compression bandage as support, and elevation of the limb. The treatment is known as ‘RICE’. Always remember “HARM”.

RICE - (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation)

Ice packs should be placed on for a maximum of 10 minutes and can be re-applied when the damaged areas becomes warm again. Never apply ice directly onto the skin, as this may cause tissue damage. Always use a barrier, such as cloth, between the ice pack and the skin to help protect tissue.

Sprains

Sprains involve the over-extension of a joint, usually with partial rupture of the ligaments. Severe Ligament damage may require immobilization in a plaster cast.

Signs and Symptoms:

» Sudden pain in the joint » Loss of power and ability to weight bear » Bruising » Swelling » Site becomes tender, painful to palpate

Care and Treatment

» RICE » Seek medical aid for assessment

of ligament damage

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NORTHERN QUEENSLAND PHN

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Strains

Strains involve over-stretching of the major muscles of the limb. Muscles are attached to bones by tendons, which tear if a muscle is forced to stretch excessively. This injury is usually less severe than a sprain, but can still have complications if not managed correctly.

Signs and Symptoms:

» Pain, increasing on movement » An audible ‘crack’ may be heard as

the tendon parts from the bone » May have a discernible gap

between muscle and bone » Tenderness, discomfort

when weight bearing » Swelling if near joint

Care and Treatment

» RICE » Avoid stretching the injured limb » Avoid massaging the injured limb » If pain persists, seek medical aid.

DislocationsDislocations involve the displacement of bone from a joint. These injuries are often underestimated, and can have serious consequences in the form of damage to nerves and blood vessels. Many people have joints which dislocate easily due to either a congenital condition, or to weak ligaments, stretched by previous repeated dislocations.

Signs and Symptoms:

» sudden pain in the affected joint » loss of power and movement » deformity and swelling of the joint » tenderness » may have some temporary

paralysis of the injured limb

Care and Treatment

» RICE » Support limb in position of comfort » Seek medical advice Ph:

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BruisingBruising, or more correctly, ‘contusion’ is bleeding by damaged blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin. This is invariably caused by blunt trauma, the application of force to the injured site.A common injury, especially in contact sports, is ‘corked thigh’, a heavy blow to the muscle mass of the thigh, which involves damage to blood vessels as well as injury to the thigh muscle tissue. Although not a serious injury, it is very painful and prompt first aid assists in a rapid recovery.

Signs and Symptoms:

» History of a blow to the area » Pain and tenderness » Swelling and discoloration

Care and Treatment:

» RICE » After four hours, gentle

exercise if appropriate

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Eye Injuries

Facial injuries require special attention because of their potential for damage to several of the ‘sense’, the airway and the possibility of permanent disfigurement. Contusions, lacerations and puncture wounds all have the capacity to permanently disfigure the patient. In the case of the cheek and chin, injuries also may result in loss of function if facial nerves or muscles are injured.The eye is a robust but delicate organ. It can sustain quite severe damage and, with the proper treatment, recover to its former state. In some instances however, it can suffer what would considered a minor injury and be permanently damaged.Consideration should always be given to preventing eye injuries and sufficient protective measures should be taken. Generally, eye injuries are considered as either minor or major injuries.

Minor eye injuries

These are injuries where the eye has been struck by a foreign object, or has a small object adhering to its surface, causing irritation. It is characterized by a bloodshot eye, irritation, and an urge to rub the eye.

Care and Treatment:

» Irrigate the eye and wash the object out » If this fails, touch the corner of a clean wet

cloth to the object and lift it off the surface » Refer to medical aid if vision if affected » Cover the affected eye if appropriate » Avoid ‘pushing’ the object

around the eye’s surface » Only us eye-drops if

prescribed by a Doctor

Major eye injuries

These are injuries that involve the penetration of the body of the eye, or involve severe blunt trauma to the eye. These injuries are characterized by blood in the eye, penetrating objects, disturbance of vision, protrusion of eye contents, and severe pain and spasms. Casualty care in the case is critical, and should be left to the experts.

Care and Treatment:

» Lay the casualty supine with complete rest

» Call ‘000’ for an ambulance » Cover the affected eye » If tolerated by the casualty, cover

the unaffected eye but remove it if the casualty becomes anxious.

» Reassurance » Avoid attempting to remove

any penetrating object » Attempts to transport the casualty other

than by ambulance should be resisted » Eye-drops are not to be used

under any circumstances.

HEALTH INFORMATION

NORTHERN QUEENSLAND PHN

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Tooth Injuries

When a tooth is knocked out, appropriate emergency medical and dental care is necessary. If a child is 7 or more it is likely to be a second or permanent tooth. A second or permanent tooth can often be saved if prompt action is taken, and the tooth is handled carefully. The delicate tissue covering the root must be protected to ensure successful re-implantation.If a child is 6 or less it is likely to be a baby or primary. Baby teeth may become injured after a fall and turn grey in colour. Treatment is not always necessary, but it is best to have the dentist examine the child as soon as possible.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out:

» Hold the tooth by the crown (the top), not the root » Rinse the tooth immediately with saline solution or milk, avoid scrubbing

material off it. If this is not possible, wrap in plastic cling wrap. » If the casualty will cooperate, replace the tooth gently in its socket. » Have the casualty bite down gently on a gauze pad to keep the tooth in place. » If the tooth cannot be re-inserted, put it in milk, which is a good preservative

because its chemical make-up is compatible with teeth. » If milk is not available, the tooth can be placed in the casualty’s

mouth between the teeth and cheek, if old enough not to swallow the tooth. If this is not possible, wrap in plastic cling wrap.

» Give the casualty a gauze pad or handkerchief to gently bite down on, which will help control bleeding and ease the pain.

» See the dentist right away, within 20 minutes if possible. » Do not replace the tooth or place anything in the mouth

of a drowsy or unconscious casualty. » If the tooth can’t be re-implanted, control the bleeding by placing a gauze pad in

the tooth socket, and then get the casualty to bite gently down on the pad. » Avoid rinsing out the mouth because this can interfere with blood clotting. » If the gums are bleeding, put cold water on a piece of gauze and push between

the lips and gums. Have the casualty hold pressure on the bleeding site.

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Head Injuries

Injuries to the head are always regarded as serious because they can inflict damage upon the brain and spinal cord as well as damaging the bone and soft tissue. As a result head injuries can be devastating to the casualty. Head injuries can easily mislead the first aid provider by not exhibiting the expected signs and symptoms immediately after the incident. In many instances, the casualty has appeared unaffected after the incident only to collapse with life-threatening symptoms some hours later. This may be due to a small bleed in the brain that eventually increases and applies excessive pressure on the brain tissue.As a first aid provider you should always take head injuries and spinal injuries seriously. Always check the patient’s response and whether they have any alteration of consciousness; look at the history of the incident and the mechanism of injury. If in your opinion, the patient’s conscious state is altered or the incident had the potential to cause serious injury, assume the worst and treat as a serious head injury.Any casualty that has been rendered unconscious or received a hard blow to the head should always be examined by a doctor – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Head injuries are generally classified as:

Open - a head injury with an associated head wound.Closed - with no obvious sign of injury.

In some instances, serious head injury is readily identified by certain signs peculiar to

the injury. These may include:

» A clear fluid oozing from the nose or ears. This is cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds the brain. When a fracture occurs, usually at the base of the skull, the fluid leaks out under pressure into the ear and nose canals.

» Black eyes’ and bruising. The kinetic energy from a blow which is transmitted through the head and brain is expelled through soft tissue, eg. The eyes, and behind the ears (‘Battle’s sign’). Bruising at these points indicates that the head has suffered exposure to considerable force.

» It should be remembered that just because a casualty has two black eyes (Raccoon eyes), this does not necessarily mean that he or she has been struck in the face. ‘Raccoon eyes’ may indicate a forceful impact elsewhere on the skull.

» Blurred or double vision is common with concussed casualties. It indicates that the brain has been dealt a blow that has temporarily affected its ability to correctly process the sight senses.

HEALTH INFORMATION

NORTHERN QUEENSLAND PHN

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Head Injuries (continued)

Concussion is a closed head injury. Of all the head injuries, the severity of this is often underestimated, and many casualties have succumbed several hours after the incident. Be especially observant during contact sports or activities involving children – the myth that you can ‘run off’ your concussion by playing on is a dangerous attitude, and has caused grief to many players, parents and coaches when the casualty eventually collapses. Concussion is potentially very serious, and an indifferent attitude is to be discouraged.Facial injuries are also head injuries, and the first aid provider should not be unduly distracted by obvious facial injuries and forget to assess the casualty for associated brain injury. Facial injuries are also a complication where the airway is concerned.

Signs and Symptoms:

Some or all of the following: » Head wounds » Deformation of the skull » Altered level of consciousness » Evidence of fluid leaking from ears or nose » May have unequal pupils » Headache » ‘raccoon eyes’ or ‘Battle’s sign’ » nausea and/or vomiting » restlessness and irritability, confusion » blurred or double vision » snoring’ respirations if unconscious » NO ALCOHOL FOR 48 HRS POST INJURY » Signs of worsening concussion are

very similar to alcohol, eg. Drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, headache

Care and Treatment:

» DRABC (danger, re sponse, airway, breathing, and circulation)

» Call ‘000’ for an ambulance » Treat any wounds » Complete rest – DO NOT allow

concussed casualties to ‘play on’ » If unconscious or drowsy, put

casualty in the recovery position while supporting the cervical spine

» Allow any fluid to drain freely – if in recovery position, put that side down with a pad over the ear

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Spinal Injuries

Any injury to the spinal cord has serious ramifications for our ability to function normally, and a separation, or ‘lesion’, of the cord may cause quadriplegic, paraplegia, or chronic painful conditions, dependent on the location of the injury.Spinal injuries can be caused by a variety of physical incidents. It benefits the first aid provider to carefully assess the history of the incident and the mechanism of injury before applying active treatment. Road traffic accidents, diving accidents, and sporting accidents provide the majority of spinal casualties.Keep injured person still, in particular minimise movement of head and spinal column.

Signs and Symptoms:

» History of trauma » Generally, a slow pulse » Unnatural posture » May have pale, cool, clammy skin » ‘tingling’, unusual, or absent

feeling in limbs » absence of pain in limbs » inability to move arms and/or legs

Care and Treatment:

» DRABC (danger, res ponse, airway, breathing, and circulation.)

» Call ‘000’ for an ambulance » Extreme care in initial examination » Treat any other injuries » Maintain body heat

For more information

» National Health Services DirectoryFor information about health services go to http://www.nhsd.com.au.

» HealthDirect and 13HealthFor trusted free 24 hr health advice and information go to http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ or telephone 13Health on 13 43 25 84.

» Symptoms CheckerTo find reliable information and advice to assist in the decision making go to http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptoms.

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NORTHERN QUEENSLAND PHN

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Emergency Contacts

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AMBULANCE…………………………………......000

Notes

Primary Health Networks (PHN) have been established with the key objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients,particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes and improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the righttime. Northern Queensland Primary Health Network acknowledge the work of Townsville-Mackay Medicare Local in the development of this resource andthe funding from the Australian Department of Health and Ageing.

Web: www.primaryhealth.com.au

Thursday Island Cairns Townsville MackayPO Box 88Thursday IslandQLD 4875

PO Box 7812Cairns CityQLD 4870

PO Box 161Aitkenvale BCQLD 4810

PO Box 9MackayQLD 4804