Treatment options
Treatment options
Minor sports injuries should be treated with the PRICE technique for 48 hours after the injury:
- Protect the area from further injury, perhaps by immobilising it. For example, using a sling for a sprained wrist
- Rest by cutting out exercise and minimising daily activities that involve the affected area as much as possible. For example, not walking with an injured knee. Supportive measures such as crutches or a sling may be helpful
- Ice the area for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours Avoid ice burns by wrapping ice packs in a cloth so the skin isn’t touched directly
- Compress the area with bandages to limit swelling and prevent further damage. Tubular bandages can be used for this purpose, but take care not to apply the bandage so tightly that it restricts blood circulation
- Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart if possible, to reduce blood flow and minimise swelling.
Depending on the type of injury, it can take anything from days to a few months or more to make a full recovery. Following the steps outlines above for a couple of days is usually enough to resolve most minor injuries.
Added advice
- Oral analgesics can be used to relieve pain. Ibuprofen is popular because of its anti-inflammatory effect, which is particularly useful if there is swelling. However, ibuprofen should not be used in the first 48 hours after the injury because it may delay healing. In addition, oral NSAIDs should not be taken at the same time as topical variants as there is a risk of cumulative side effects. In this case, oral paracetamol is a better option.
- Physiotherapy is a good way of strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving the range of motion of an injured joint. It can also speed up the return of normal functioning. Techniques including massage, manipulation and exercises are likely to be involved. Referral to a GP or specialist will be necessary.
- Corticosteroid injections may be recommended for severe or persistent inflammation. They can be highly effective, but some people gain only temporary or minimal relief and they can cause side effects.
- Supplements for joint health are widely available and some contain glucosamine and/or omega-3 fatty acids. When requesting glucosamine supplements, referral to the pharmacist is necessary for those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, or those taking other medication, including anti-coagulant therapy. Glucosamine supplements should not be used by customers who have a shellfish allergy. It should also be noted that pregnant women must not take any supplements containing vitamin A, including cod liver oil, as too much could harm their baby.
- Surgery is sometimes, although rarely, required for more serious injuries, such as torn ligaments.
Topical OTC products
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the form of gels such as ibuprofen (e.g., Ibuleve) and diclofenac (e.g., Voltarol Pain-eze Emulgel and Motusol Gel) reduce swelling and inflammation as well as pain. They work in the same way as oral products, but their effect is concentrated locally at the sight of pain, with limited systemic effect.
Cold treatments cause numbing and narrowing of the blood vessels, which makes it more difficult for inflammatory chemicals to reach the injured area. OTC examples include Deep Freeze Cold Spray and Ibuleve Rapid Cooling Patch.
Rubefacients, sometimes known as counter-irritants, cause a feeling of warmth when they are rubbed into the skin, distracting the brain from the pain. These ingredients can cause discomfort if they are applied after a hot bath or shower, during warm weather or to skin that is already irritated or broken. Rubefacients include salicylic acid esters, nicotinates, menthol, camphor and capsicum oleoresin. OTC product examples include Movelat Relief Gel, Deep Heat Heat Rub and Radian B Muscle Rub.
Heat treatments are normally available in pads or patches and help to dilate the blood vessels, increasing blood circulation to the affected area and moving away the chemicals that contribute towards the pain. They should not be used until 72 hours after an injury as they can increase the risk of bleeding, and they should not be applied to broken skin. OTC examples include Thermacare and Nurofen Muscle & Back Pain Relief Heat Patches.
Bruise reducers do just what they say on the pack: minimise bruising. Examples include heparinoids and arnica.
Signposting
For more information, you can:
- Use your Counter Intelligence Plus training guide
- Read the NICE clinical knowledge summary
- Visit the national Back Association website
- Visit the NHS website to learn more about tendonitis
- Read up on the PRICE technique at St John Ambulance.