Sports injuries happen to recreational athletes as well as professionals. Knowing how to treat these injuries and when to get help is important. At Memorial Hospital, our orthopedic professionals work with you on a one-on-one basis to treat any sports injuries that have occurred and design a healthy lifestyle program for you to continue thereafter. It's our hope that we can help your body work, play and live to its fullest potential.

Fracture Care

Broken bones and dislocations are common among sports injuries. Whether you've broken your wrist during a game of football, or dislocated your shoulder while skiing, Memorial Hospital's Emergency department is ready to provide you with expert care. In addition to experienced emergency physicians, a board certified orthopedic surgeon is always available. Our team is dedicated to giving you the best and most up to date fracture care available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Injury Rehabilitation

Not only is our sports medicine curative, it's also rehabilitative. Once treated, our patients are connected with a therapist within the hospital or at The Springs Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, to help with recovery. We want you to regain full mobility and strength so you can get back in the game again.

How To Handle Sports Injuries

When it comes to sports injuries, prevention is definitely the best medicine. Wearing the proper equipment, doing the proper stretches and not pushing yourself too far too fast are all steps that may help keep you safe. (See Safety Tips) Unfortunately, injuries can still happen, even when taking proper precautions.

The most important thing to remember about playing sports and dealing with injuries is to stop as soon as you feel any pain. A simple injury can turn into a serious issue if you continue to play, despite the pain. Injuries like broken bones or a dislocation are usually obvious. Others may be less clear. It's important to consult a health care professional in the following situations:

• Broken bone
• Dislocated joint
• Severe swelling and numbing
• Joint instability

For less severe injuries, it is probably safe to treat your injury at home. If discomfort or other symptoms persist for more than a couple days, though, contact your doctor.

RICE

The first line of self-treatment for many sports injuries is RICE-Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Using the RICE method may help lessen pain and inflammation and heal the injury more quickly.

Rest. With most sports injuries, getting the affected body part moving again as soon as possible will help you heal more quickly, according to the NIAMS. But for at least 48 hours, it may be helpful to reduce your regular activities and exercise.

Ice. Apply an ice pack to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day. Use an ice bag, cold pack or plastic bag filled with crushed ice and wrapped in a towel (don't put ice directly on your skin).

Compression. Compression, or wrapping of an injured area, such as an ankle, knee or wrist, may help reduce swelling. Elastic wraps, special boots, air casts or splints may do the job. Ask your doctor which would be best for you.

Elevation. Whenever possible, keep your injured body part resting on a pillow above the level of your heart. This may reduce swelling.

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