Soft tissue injuries Research and Review 1 Describe the differences between a sprain and a strain. 2 Explain the acute inflammatory response. 3 Outline the aims of the immediate management of soft-tissue injuries. 4 Identify the problems that can sometimes occur at the ‘ice’ and ‘compression’ stages of the RICER procedure. 5 Explain what actions should be avoided after sustaining a soft-tissue injury. 6 Identify the common management steps that should be followed with skin injuries. 7 Clarify when a skin injury requires professional medical attention.

Fracture types

Types of fractures - table

Signs and symptoms of fractures The signs and symptoms of a fracture include: • pain at the site of the injury • inability to move the injured part • unnatural movement of the injured part • deformity of the injured part • swelling and discolouration • grating of bones.

Management of Fractures Use of DRABCD Controlling bleeding Treating shock Use of a splint and bandage to immobilise the area Immediate medical assistance

Signs and symptoms of dislocations Signs and symptoms of dislocation include: • loss of movement at the joint • obvious deformity • swelling and tenderness • pain at the injured site.

Management of Dislocations Management requires: Securing with a splint to fully immobilise the injury Ice, elevation and support using a bandage Immediate medical attention Never attempt to relocate the displaced bone as this might increase the damage

Assessment of injuries TOTAPS Talk – find out what exactly happened. Observe – look for signs of deformity or swelling. Compare both sides of the body. Touch – Gently feel the injury for signs of swelling or deformity and pinpoint pain. Active movement - ask player to perform a range of movements e.g. flexion, extension, rotation. Passive movement – assessor physically mobilises the joint to identify area of pain and joint instability. Skills test – player is asked to perform a skill that is required during the game e.g. a sidestep. If they can do it, they can return to play.

Assessment Assessment can be stopped at any stage if damage is apparent; for example, if the player feels pain. Should there be a risk of further damage through continued play, the player should be removed from the game