INJURY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT REMEMBER, WE ARE NOT DOCTORS!! We can help NARROW down injuries and give basic first aid… ALWAYS CONSULT A DOCTOR!

PRICE PRICE - The protocol for immediate treatment of injury The PRICE protocol should be applied immediately after an injury occurs, before being treated by Emergency Professionals.

P P is for Protection - Protect any injury from further damage. Stop playing, use padding and protection, splints or use crutches to take the weight off a knee or ANKLE INJURY. ANKLE INJURY

R R is for Rest - Allow an injury time to heal. Being brave and playing on is not always wise. Ensure rehabilitation time to allow even a small injury to heal.

I I is for Ice - By applying Ice either from a freezer, an ice pack or even a pack of peas onto the injury you will reduce the PAIN and inflammation. Very cold products can induce HYPOTHERMIA or cold burn so wrapping the ice in a cloth is advisable. ICE BATHS WORK GREAT!!ice pack PAIN HYPOTHERMIA

C C is for Compression - Compression of the swollen area will help to reduce the swelling. Any stretchy bandage will do.

E E is for Elevation - Elevating the injury to above the heart prevents the flow of blood to the area and reduces the swelling.

KEY TO QUICK RECOVERY REDUCE SWELLING (ICE BATHS) KEEP ON MOVIN’ DON’T STOP 20 Minutes On/ 20 Minutes Off hours THEN HEAT IT UP!! PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

INJURIES TO THE LOWER LEG BELOW THE KNEE MOST COMMON INJURIES IN ATHLETICS

ANKLE STRAIN STRAIN –Injury involving MUSCLES and TENDONS or the junction between the two. FIRST DEGREE STRAIN –Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is NO LOSS OF STRENGTH SECOND DEGREE STRAIN – Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. STRENGTH IS DIMINISHED THIRD DEGREE STRAIN – Rupture of the muscle- tendon-bone attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are from overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury.

ANKLE SPRAIN SPRAIN –Injury involving LIGAMENTS or the junction between the two. Usually a feeling of “popping” or tearing. FIRST DEGREE SPRAIN –Stretching and slight or partial tearing of one or more ligaments in the ankle. SECOND DEGREE SPRAIN – Stretching and partial tearing of one or more ligaments in the ankle, resulting in weakening and some loss of ankle function. Severe ankle pain. Loss of function. The injured person can walc THIRD DEGREE SPRAIN – A severe injury to the ankle in which one or more ligaments are stretched and TOTALLY Torn.

ANKLE BONE FRACTURE A fracture, usually in either side of the ankle, often including a total tear of one or more ankle ligaments. Severe ankle pain immediately after injury “Cracking” sound also could be a “pop” Injured person has very difficult time walking. There may be a deformity or bone sticking out.

ANKLE DISLOCATION An injury to the ankle so that the adjoining bones are displaced and no longer touch eachother. Almost always associated with fractures and sprains. EXCRUTIATING pain at time of injury Loss of ankle function Numbness or paralysis in the foot from pressure.

ACHILLES TENDONITIS Inflammation of the Achilles Tendon Constant pain or pain with motion Limited motion of the ankle “Crackling” sound when tendon is touched or moves Overuse of Achilles tendon. Kicking, jumping, and quick starts

ACHILLES TENDON STRAIN Injury to Achilles tendon or it’s adjoining muscle or bone. These 3 parts comprise a unit. The strain occurs at the weakest part of the unit. Mild Strain – slightly pulled muscle or tendon – no loss of strength Moderate – Tearing of fibers in a muscle or tendon, or attachment. Strength is diminished. Severe – Rupture of muscle-tendon-bone attachment. Requires surgical repair

SHIN SPLINTS A catch-all phrase for pain in the lower leg brought on by exercise or athletic activity. The discomfort is due to inflammation of body tissue(s). Pain worsens with leg exercises. Anterior shin splints: Pain in front of lower leg. Pain radiates down the front side and outer side of leg. Posterior shin splints: pain along the back and inner side of the lower leg.

ANTERIOR COMPARTMENT SYNDROME What is Anterior compartment syndrome? Anterior compartment syndromes arise when a muscle becomes too big for the sheath that surrounds it causing pain. The big muscle on the outside of the shin is called the tibialis anterior and is surrounded by a sheath. This is called the anterior compartment of the lower leg. Compartment syndromes can be acute or chronic.

ANTERIOR COMPARTMENT SYNDROME Acute anterior compartment syndrome can occur as a result of: An impact which causes bleeding within the compartment and therefore swelling. A muscle tear which also causes bleeding. Over use injury which also causes swelling.

ANTERIOR COMPARTMENT SYNDROME Symptoms of anterior compartment syndrome include: A sharp pain in the muscle on the outside of the lower leg, usually the result of a direct blow. Weakness when trying to pull the foot upwards against resistance. Swelling and tenderness over the tibialis anterior muscle. Pain when the foot and toes are bent downwards.

ANTERIOR COMPARTMENT SYNDROME What can the athlete do? Rest, but try to exercise your upper body or cycle if it is not painful. Apply ice and compression for 20 minutes at a time. See a sports injury professional who can advise on rehabilitation

PLANTAR FASCIITIS Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your very first steps in the morning. Once your foot limbers up, the pain of plantar fasciitis normally decreases, but it may return after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position. Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot — connecting your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis is particularly common in runners. People who are overweight, women who are pregnant and those who wear shoes with inadequate support are at a higher risk of plantar fasciitis.