What’s the Best Method of Pain Management?
Any part of the body, such as the muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues (tendons and ligaments), can be injured during sports. Continue reading to find out more about pain management in Llanedeyrn.
Sports injuries most frequently manifest as sprains and strains. A strain and a sprain differ from one another by:
- A sprain occurs when one or more ligaments are strained, twisted, or ripped.
- A muscular strain ("pulling a muscle") results from the stretching or tearing of the muscle tissues or fibres.
Pain, bruising, swelling, and soreness around a joint or in a muscle are all signs of a sprain or strain. Additionally, you can have trouble moving the injured body part.
Although the advantages of playing sports and working out far exceed the hazards, accidents sometimes happen.
Causes of sports injuries according to our pain management clinic
Sports injuries can result from:
- An accident – for instance, a fall or heavy blow
- Not warming up properly before exercising
- Using poor technique or inappropriate equipment
- Pushing yourself too hard
Almost any physical part, including the bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues (tendons and ligaments), is susceptible to injury. Injuries to the knees and ankles are particularly common.
Pain management at home
Minor injuries, such as minor strains and sprains, can frequently be treated for the first two or three days at home with PRICE therapy.
PRICE stands for protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
- Protection – protect the injured part from further injury – for instance, by using support.
- Rest – Reduce your everyday physical activity and avoid exercising. If you are unable to hold the weight on your ankle or knee, using crutches or a walking stick may be helpful. If you've hurt your shoulder, a sling might be helpful.
- Ice – every two to three hours, apply an ice pack to the injured area for 15-20 minutes. A bag of frozen peas or anything similar will do. To prevent an ice burn, wrap the ice pack in a towel before applying it to your skin.
- Compression – use elastic compression bandages during the day to reduce swelling.
- Elevation – If possible, elevate the injured body part above the level of your heart. Additionally, it might lessen oedema.
Preventing sports injuries
By doing the following things, you can lower your chance of injury:
- Stretching properly before a workout.
- Stretching after exercise.
- Not pushing your body over your present level of fitness.
- Using the proper gear, such as wearing running shoes when running, shin protection for football, and a gum shield for rugby.
- Getting coaching to learn the proper workout techniques.
Consult a certified sports coach or fitness trainer for guidance and instruction before beginning a new sport or activity.
Pain management in Llanedeyrn
The course of treatment for a sports injury depends on the injury's severity and the area of the body that was hurt. The following general treatments for your injury might be beneficial:
Pain relief
Pain relievers like paracetamol might be used to lessen the pain.
Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can also be used as tablets or creams to minimise any swelling and relieve discomfort.
Immobilisation
In rare cases, immobilisation might assist stop further injury by limiting mobility. Additionally, it can lessen discomfort, muscle swelling, and muscle spasm.
For instance, wounded arms, shoulders, wrists, and legs may be immobilised in casts, splints, or slings while you recover.
Physiotherapy as pain management in Llanedeyrn
Physiotherapy may be helpful for certain patients who are recovering from a chronic injury.
It's a specialised procedure where massage, manipulation, and exercises are used to increase the range of motion, fortify the muscles around the affected location, and restore normal function.
Corticosteroid injections for pain management
If your inflammation is severe or prolonged, a corticosteroid injection may be advised.
It can aid in reducing the pain brought on by your injury, yet for some individuals, the pain reduction may be slight or only for a short while.
You can repeat a corticosteroid injection if necessary, but typically you can only get two or three injections per year.
Surgery and procedures
The majority of sports-related injuries do not even require surgery. However, really serious injuries, like severely fractured bones, may need to be treated with surgery. To fix the bones using wires, plates, screws, or rods, it may be necessary to manipulate the bones or perform surgery.
In rare circumstances, realigning misaligned bones could be achievable without requiring surgery.
Sometimes further injuries may also necessitate surgery. For instance, a ruptured knee ligament may require surgery to be repaired.
Book your appointment with Hopwoods Pharmacy today for pain management and relief. Contact us for more information.
