Injuries are an undeniable part of life, especially if you’re an athlete. It can be frustrating to find yourself out of commission for some time, but there are several tips you can follow to overcome any form of injury. With the right steps at the right time, you can speed up your recovery and even do away with the depressive thoughts that threaten you at these unfortunate times.
Wondering what these tips could be?
Here are just a few of them to get you started.
1. Handle A Rolled Ankle Like A Pro
If you’ve tripped and rolled your ankle, you should start by using a compression wrap on the area for at least three days. Make sure to prop up the affected ankle above your heart for a few hours each day. You can also try icing it for twenty minutes after 40-minute intervals.
For twisted or rolled ankles, remember that rest is important. Your doctor might recommend walking around to speed up the healing after some time. Even after this instruction, however, you should get professional help if the walking is too painful or your ankle seems puffy or discolored.
2. Manage That Blow To The Head
If you’ve suffered a blow to the head—whether it’s from a baseball, softball, basketball, etc—you should first ice the affected spot. See if there are any warning signals of a concussion. These include loss of memory, feeling sleepy, blurred vision, crankiness, or feeling sensitive to noise and light.
With head injuries, you should remain alert for some time. If you feel dizzy or start vomiting, you probably need immediate medical assistance. Did you also experience a sudden fall within that same event? If yes, it’s the right time to consult an orthopedic surgeon in Monroe so you can find out if the fall caused you a serious neck or back injury.
3. A Deep Cut
If you’ve sliced your hand or arm, first get a clean towel. Press this hard on the cut for around five to ten minutes, keeping the limb elevated. Don’t remove the towel before at least five minutes have passed. Once the bleeding ceases, hold the area under some running water and put some antibiotic cream on it. You can then bandage the area and visit a nearby doctor.
4. Learn As Much As Possible
When you don’t know what’s making you suffer, the fear and confusion could make things much worse. If you’re going to visit an elbow doctor in Portland, you should ask questions and get as much information on your injury as possible. This will lessen your anxiety and fear. Plus, you’ll be able to monitor your treatment.
When you understand your injury, you’ll be less likely to be overwhelmed by it. You’ll have control over your recovery progress, which is beneficial for your physical and emotional health.
5. Stay Positive
If you want to heal quickly, start by making the best of a bad situation. If you’re laid up and can’t attend practice, find something productive to do with your time. You can still give yourself pep talks, study your game of choice, and watch replays of games that can help you when you’re better.
At the same time, stay focused on getting better. Don’t think too much about what you’re missing, but accept it as part of your learning process.
The Takeaway
All these precautions can help you overcome your injuries much faster than otherwise. However, this doesn’t mean that you can skip a visit to the doctor. Even if you think you’re healing nicely on your own, an expert opinion is always recommended. It might be a strain on your pocket and a hassle to get to the doctor. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
