Summer Sports Season means an increase in related sports injuries.

We’re in the midst of Summer Sports season and with it comes an increase in associated sports injuries. Different sports injuries produce different symptoms and complications. The most common types of sports injuries include:

Sprains, Strains, Knee injuries, Swollen muscles, Achilles tendon rupture, Fractures, Dislocations and Rotator cuff injury.

Ensure you have a First Aid Kit available and the knowledge in how to treat such injuries. A range of Sports First Aid Kits are available here

To book a First Aid Course click here.

Take these steps to avoid sports injuries:

• Use the proper technique. Learn the proper way to move during your sport or activity. Different types of exercise require different stances and postures.
• Have the proper equipment. Wear the right shoes. Make sure you have the proper athletic protection. Ill-fitting shoes or gear can increase your risk for injury.
• Don’t overdo it. If you do get hurt, make sure you’re healed before you start the activity again. Don’t try to “work through” the pain.
• When you return after letting your body recover, you may need to ease yourself back into the exercise or sport rather than jumping back in at the same intensity.
• Cool down. Remember to cool down after your activity. Usually, this involves doing the same stretching and exercises involved in a warmup. Resume activity slowly.

If injures occur during sports use the R-I-C-E-R method to relieve pain and inflammation and to speed healing:

Rest – Limit activities that involve using the injured area for at least a day or two.

Ice – Apply an ice pack to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day. …

Compression – use a compression bandage to compress the injury

Elevation – Elevate the injury

Referral – Contact a medical expert

Stay safe and have fun.