Trauma

What is Trauma?

Orthopedic trauma refers to injuries of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels, or related soft tissues that most commonly occur during sports, exercise or any other physical activity. Trauma may be a result of accidents, poor training practices or with use of improper gear. Injuries may also be caused when an individual is not medically fit or because of insufficient warm up and stretching exercises.

Trauma may be classified into two types:

Acute trauma is the sudden injury that occurs during playing or exercising and include sprained ankles, strained backs, and fractured hands.

Chronic trauma happens from overusing one part of the body for playing a sport or exercising, usually when used for a longer duration

The treatment of trauma includes both non-surgical and surgical methods. Non-surgical methods are the initial line of management and include:

• Restriction of movement of the injured part
• Heat or cold treatment that may relieve pain and accelerate the repair process
• Exercise and physical therapy to help in stretching the injured muscle
• Medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics

In cases where non-surgical methods are not effective, surgical repair of the underlying muscle, tendon, or ligament is recommended.

Regardless of the type of trauma, acute or chronic, avoid working through the pain of an injury. On experiencing pain from a particular movement, stop playing or exercising. Continuing the activity may worsen the condition. Some injuries may require immediate medical intervention while others can be self-treated.

Consult your doctor:

• If you experience severe pain, swelling, or numbness
• If you can't tolerate any weight on the area
• If you experience pain or dull ache of an old injury
• If pain is accompanied by swelling or if you feel the joint as unstable

All traumas need time to heal, so proper rest helps the process. You must also take time to rest after a trauma.