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Signs
and
Symptoms:
- Sprains -
A
sprain
happens
when
you
overstretch
or
tear
a
ligament
(fibrous
tissue
that
connects
bones).
A
joint
is
affected,
but
there
is
no
dislocation
or
fracture.
Symptoms
are
rapid
pain,
swelling,
bruishin,
and
a
warm
feeling
at
the
injured
site.
- Strains -
A
strain
is
an
injury
to
the
muscles
or
tendons
(tissues
that
connect
muscles
to
bones),
usually
from
overstretch
or
overexert
a
muscle
or
tendon.
Symptoms
are
pain,
tenderness,
swelling,
and
bruising.
- Sport
injuries
- Achilles
tendon
pain
is
caused
by
a
stretch
or
tear
or
irritation
to
the
tendon
that
connects
the
calf
muscles
to
the
back
of
the
heel.
- Blisters
are
due
to
friction,
such
as
from
poor
fitting
shoes
or
socks.
- Muscle
soreness
occurs
when
you
have
worked
out
too
hard
and
too
long.
- Shinsplints
are
mild
to
severe
aches
in
front
of
the
lower
leg.
- Stress
fractures
are
microfractures
which
usually
involve
the
bones
of
the
feet
and
legs.
They
are
usually
caused
by
a
sudden
increase
in
the
amount
of
weight
bearing
exercise.
- Dislocation
or
broke
bones
[Go
to
Self-Care
Prevention]
1.
Is
a head,
neck,
or
spinal
injury
suspected
by
any
of
the
following
symptoms?
- Paralysis
- Inability
to
open
and
close
the
fingers
or
move
the
toes
- Feelings
of
numbness
in
the
legs,
arms,
shoulders,
or
any
other
part
of
the
body
- Appearance
that
the
head,
neck,
or
back
is
in
an
odd
position
- Immediate
neck
pain
(note:
if
any
of
the
above
symptoms
exist,
tell
the
victim
to
lie
still
and
not
move
his
or
her
head,
neck,
back,
etc.
Place
rolled
towels,
articles
of
clothing,
etc.
on
both
sides
of
the
neck
and/or
body.
Tie
and
wrap
in
place,
but
don't
interfere
with
the
victim's
breathing.
If
necessary,
use
both
of
your
hands,
one
on
each
side
of
the
victim's
head,
to
keep
the
head
from
moving.
Call
911)
If yes to
one
of
these
symptoms
described
above, please
get
immediate
care.
If no,
continue
on
to
the
next
question.
2.
Are
any
of
these
signs
present?
- A
bone
sticks
out
or
bones
in
the
injured
part
make
a
grating
sound.
- An
injured
body
part
looks
crooked
or
misshapen.
- A
loss
of
feeling
occurs
in
the
injured
body
part.
- You
are
unable
to
move
or
put
weight
on
the
injured
part.
If yes to
one
of
these
symptoms
described
above, please
get
immediate
care.
If no,
continue
on
to
the
next
question.
3.
Are
any
of
these
signs
present?
- The
skin
around
the
injury
turns
blue
and/or
feels
cold
and
numb.
- Bad
pain
and
swelling
occur
or
the
pain
gets
worse.
- Pain
is
felt
when
you
press
along
the
bone
near
the
injury.
If yes to
one
of
these
symptoms
described
above, please
see
your
doctor.
If no,
continue
on
to
the
next
question.
4.
Does
the
sprain
or
strain
not
improve
after
using
self-care
measures
for
4 days?
If yes to
one
of
these
symptoms
described
above, please
see
your
doctor.
If no to
all
questions,
use
self-care
prevention.
Self-Care
Prevention
To
Prevent
Serious
Injuries
during
Contact
Sports:
- Wear
the
right
protective
gear
and
clothing
for
the
sport.
Items
to
wear
include
a
helmet,
shoulder,
knee,
and
wrist
pads,
a
mouth
guard,
etc.
- Train
in
the
sport
so
you
learn
how
to
avoid
injury. "Weekend
athletes" are
prone
to
injury.
- Follow
the
rules
that
apply
to
the
sport.
General
Prevention:
- Ease
into
any
exercise
program.
Start
off
with
things
that
are
easy
for
you.
Build
up
gradually.
- Do
warm-up
stretching
exercises
before
the
activity.
Stretch
and
hold
for
at
least
30
seconds.
Don't
bounce.
- Wear
proper-fitting
shoes
that
provide
shock
absorption
and
stability.
- Avoid
running
on
hard
surfaces
like
asphalt
and
concrete.
Run
on
flat
surfaces
instead
of
uphill.
Running
uphill
aggravates
the
stress
put
on
the
Achilles
tendon.
- Use
the
softest
surface
available
when
you
exercise.
- Wear
shoes
and
socks
that
fit
well.
The
widest
area
of
your
foot
should
match
the
widest
area
of
your
foot
should
match
the
widest
area
of
the
shoe.
You
should
also
be
able
to
wiggle
your
toes with
the
shoe
on,
in
both
a
sitting
and
standing
position.
The
inner
seams
of
the
shoe
should
not
rub
against
areas
of
your
feet.
- Avoid
locking
your
knees.
When
jumping,
land
with
your
knees
bent.
- Don't
overdo
it.
Stop
if
you
feel
pain.
- Don't
resume
the
activity
until
you
can
do
it
without
pain.
- Cool
down
after
exercise.
Do
the
activity
at
a
slower
pace
for
5
minutes.
To
Treat
a
Sprain,
Strain,
or
Sports
Injury:
- If
the
injury
does
not
appear
serious,
stop
what
you
are
doing
and
use R.I.C.E.:
- Rest
-
Rest
the
injured
area
as
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