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Road
Traffic Accidents . Accidents at Work . Slipping Accidents .
Medical Negligence
Factsheets
Sports
Injuries
Facts
about sports injuries:
The
Association Of British Insurers estimates 20 million sports injuries occur
each year.
Most
sports injuries are due to either traumatic injury or overuse of muscles or
joints. Many sports injuries can be prevented with proper conditioning and
training, wearing appropriate protective gear, and using proper equipment.
Sports and soft-tissue injuries:
About 95 percent of sports injuries are due to minor trauma involving
soft-tissue injuries - injuries that affect the muscles, ligaments, and/or
tendons, including the following:
contusions (bruises)
sprains
strains
What is a contusion?
A contusion (bruise) is an injury to the soft tissue often produced by a
blunt force such as a kick, fall, or blow. The result will be pain,
swelling, and discoloration. Treatment for contusions includes Rest, Ice,
Compression, and Elevation (R.I.C.E.). More serious contusions may need to
be examined by a physician.
What is a sprain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament and is often caused by a wrench or
twist. Sprains often affect the ankles, knees, or wrists. The treatment for
a sprain includes Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (R.I.C.E.). If the
ligament is torn, surgical repair may be necessary.
What is a strain?
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, and is often caused by overuse,
force, or stretching. The treatment for a strain is Rest, Ice, Compression,
and Elevation (R.I.C.E). If a tear in the muscle occurs, surgical repair may
be necessary.
There are many sports injuries that require clinical care by a physician or
other healthcare professional.
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