Sprains

A sprain occurs when one or more of your ligaments have been stretched, twisted or torn, usually as a result of excessive force being applied to a joint. Sprains are most likely to occur if you over-reach, change direction or speed suddenly, fall and land awkwardly or collide with an object or person.

Pain around the affected joint, being unable to use the joint normally or being unable to put weight on it, swelling, bruising and tenderness.

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 Minor sprains can usually be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation. You should try to start moving a sprained joint as soon as it is not too painful to do so. Ordinary painkillers such as paracetamol can be used to help ease any pain.   You can also use taping to treat some sprains

 

Strains

A strain occurs when muscle fibres stretch or tear. They usually occur when the muscle has been stretched beyond its limits or it has been forced to contract (shorten) too quickly.

Pain in the affected muscle, swelling, bruising, muscle spasms, loss of all or some of the function in the affected muscle, collection of blood under the skin causing a dark red like bruise

Can be treated with RICE, rest, ice, compression e.g. bandages to reduce swelling and elevation to prevent blood from pooling in the affected area and reduce swelling. Paracetamol.

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Fracture

Open fractures and closed fractures are caused by trauma, most commonly from a direct blow, such as from a fall.

Signs of an open fracture: End of the bone is sticking through the skin, blood, swelling, pain.

Signs of a closed fracture: Pain, bruising, swelling, unable to move affected area.

Support the injury, try to keep it still by using a splint, call 999 or take to hospital. Patient will require an X ray followed by a cast, sling or possibly an operation depending on the type of fracture.

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Abrasion (cut/graze)

A cut is a tear or opening in the skin which is caused by an external factor or from the skin wearing away. This could be from a fall, banging into something or being cut by something sharp.

Opening of the skin, blood, redness.

If the cut is infected there may also be signs of discharge or pus coming from the cut, fever, increased pain, swelling, or warmth in the affected area.

Clean the cut, cover with a dressing or plaster.

If the wound is infected injury you must see a doctor. To stop the infection from spreading, treatment most often consists of an antibiotic cream or ointment or a prescription for oral antibiotics.

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Concussion

Concussion is the sudden but short-lived loss of mental function that occurs after a blow or other injury to the head.

Confusion,  headache, dizziness, nausea , loss of balance, feeling stunned or dazed,

disturbances with vision, difficulties with memory.

 

Apply a cold compress to the injury to reduce swelling, take paracetamol to control pain –

get plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations where possible, make sure you have someone to stay with you for the first 48 hours after the injury – this is in case you experience more serious follow-up symptoms. If you do, you must go to hospital as soon as possible.

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Blister

Blisters are most often caused by skin being damaged by friction or heat

Fluid collects under the damaged skin, cushioning the tissue underneath, most blisters are filled with a clear fluid (serum), but may be filled with blood (blood blisters) or pus if they become inflamed or infected

Most blisters heal naturally after three to seven days and don't require medical attention.

It's important to avoid bursting the blister, because this could lead to an infection or slow down the healing process.

If the blister does burst, don't peel off the dead skin. Instead, allow the fluid inside the blister to drain and cover the area with a dry, sterile dressing to protect it from infection until it heals.

 

Cramp

Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period of time may result in a muscle cramp

Pain, tenderness and firmness of the muscle

The primary treatment of muscle cramps involves methods to relax the affected muscle. This typically involves stretching, massage, and heat application.

 

Contusion (bruise)

A bruise appears on the skin due to trauma. Examples of trauma are a cut or a blow to the area. The most common causes of bruising are: Bumps or any abnormal force applied to the body, falls, joint sprains, muscle strains and sporting injuries

A fresh bruise is often reddish. It will then turn blue or dark purple within a few hours, then yellow or green after a few days as it heals. A bruise is commonly tender and sometimes even painful for the first few days, but the pain usually goes away as the colour fades.

Most bruises will disappear within a few days or a week of injury without the need for any treatment but you can limit the internal bleeding by cooling the area with a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel.

Internal bruising cannot be seen on the surface of the skin but the person can suffer from pain and swelling. If this occurs you must seek further medical advice from the hospital.

 

Dislocation

A dislocation usually happens when the bones that are usually connected at a joint separate. This can be caused by a unexpected impact to the area, a blow or a fall.

Numbness or tingling at the joint or beyond it

Very painful, Limited movement, swollen or bruised, visibly out of place, discoloured, or misshapen.

 Avoid moving the affected area.

You must go to A&E where you will be examined and have an X ray. Never try to pop the joint back into place yourself as this can cause further damage. The doctor will put the joint back into its socket. You may need a sling. Surgery is sometimes required if the tissues surrounding the joint are badly damaged.