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If you get hurt, get trained medical help.
But when you get dinged up a little here and there, as most athletes do, a little self-care can go a long way. This instructable offers some basic principals and practices for taking care of sore muscles and minor injuries that don't require a hospital visit.
Written by a somewhat trained person who gets hurt a lot, these are not definitive medical care instructions, but can help readers better understand minor sports injuries.
But when you get dinged up a little here and there, as most athletes do, a little self-care can go a long way. This instructable offers some basic principals and practices for taking care of sore muscles and minor injuries that don't require a hospital visit.
Written by a somewhat trained person who gets hurt a lot, these are not definitive medical care instructions, but can help readers better understand minor sports injuries.
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Signing UpStep 1Warnings: know what you don't know
It isn't always easy to know the difference between a really sore muscle and an injury that won't improve without medical intervention. However, it is a really good idea to lean toward getting professional care when you are dealing with something unfamiliar. While in the ER, ask a lot of questions, and next time you'll be better prepared to make the call between spending the night in the ER or on your couch.
If you suspect you have a broken bone, you must go get an X-ray and orthopedic care.
If you suspect you have dislocated a joint, you must get orthopedic care (unless you have dislocated that joint many times before and know exactly what's going on with it).
If your vital signs - heart rate, breathing, mental alertness, etc - don't go back to normal within a minute of an injury, seek emergency care.
If you have any change in mental state - momentary blackout, disorientation, unusual hostility, confusion or frustration, "Wha happened?" - seek emergency care.
If you have limited circulation (diabetics), clotting disorders, are on blood thinners, or have any major medical issues, these instructions don't apply to you. Check with your doctor.
If you don't know what you're doing, or something seems wrong, go with your gut and seek professional care. Seeing a theme here? Bottom line is, you have to make good decisions and these instructions can't replace good judgment. I'm not there, so it's your call. If you don't have enough information, get to a medical professional.
If you suspect you have a broken bone, you must go get an X-ray and orthopedic care.
If you suspect you have dislocated a joint, you must get orthopedic care (unless you have dislocated that joint many times before and know exactly what's going on with it).
If your vital signs - heart rate, breathing, mental alertness, etc - don't go back to normal within a minute of an injury, seek emergency care.
If you have any change in mental state - momentary blackout, disorientation, unusual hostility, confusion or frustration, "Wha happened?" - seek emergency care.
If you have limited circulation (diabetics), clotting disorders, are on blood thinners, or have any major medical issues, these instructions don't apply to you. Check with your doctor.
If you don't know what you're doing, or something seems wrong, go with your gut and seek professional care. Seeing a theme here? Bottom line is, you have to make good decisions and these instructions can't replace good judgment. I'm not there, so it's your call. If you don't have enough information, get to a medical professional.
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