24.

Classify sports injuries. Explain ‘P.R.I.C.E.’ procedure as a treatment of soft tissue injuries.

A number of types of sports injuries can be considered acute including:

• Contusions (bruise)
• Subluxation (partial dislocation that reduces itself)
• Dislocation
• Fractures
• Sprains (injury to ligaments)
• Strains (injury to muscles)

Most acute sports injuries can be treated safely at home using the P.R.I.C.E. principle. The principles of P.R.I.C.E. should be used for the first 48 – 72 hours immediately after the injury. The goal during this time frame is to control the amount of swelling to the injured area, prevent further injury, and reduce pain.

This principle can effectively reduce the amount of swelling in an injured area thereby reducing the amount of time required for rehabilitation.

The acronym stands for:

• P-Protection: Protect your Injury from further damage, for example by using a support or splint.
• R-Rest: Rest your injury fro the first two to three days. You may need to use crutches if you have injured your leg. Then reintroduce movement gradually so you don't delay your recovery by losing muscle strength.
• I-Ice: Ice the painful area with a cold compress such as ice or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel. This will help reduce swelling and bruising. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours. Don't apply ice directly to your skin as it can damage it.
• C-Compression: Compress the injured area with an elastic bandage or elasticated tubular bandage to help limit swelling and movement. But don't leave the bandage on while you sleep.
• E-Elevation: Elevate your injury by resting it above the level or your heat and keep it supported. This could mean lying on the sofa with your foot on some cushions if you have injured your leg.