By Fox Valley Orthopedics
Whether you prefer football, soccer, or cheerleading—the fall season can be put on hold due to a variety of orthopedic injuries. Some common injuries include concussions, fractures and sprains.
Concussions
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that happens when an individual experiences a blow or jolt to the head that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth within the skull. In some cases, this type of impact can cause the brain to even twist within the skull.
Signs & Symptoms
The most commonly reported signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- Appearing dazed or confused
- Forgetting events surrounding the head injury
- Clumsiness
- Losing consciousness or fainting
- Mood or personality changes
- Answering questions slowly
- Having a headache or feeling “pressure” in the skull
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Feeling foggy and sluggish
Addressing a Concussion
Although concussions are considered “mild” TBIs, they have the potential to cause serious damage to the brain. This is because concussions cause a chemical change within the brain and can lead to cellular damage.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, call 9-1-1 for emergency medical services:
- One pupil appears larger than the other
- Inability to wake up or be woken up
- Headache that is intensifying over time
- Slurred speech
- Dramatically decreased coordination
- Repeated vomiting or feeling nauseous
- Unusual personality changes
- Having seizures or twitching
Fractures
A fracture is a broken bone that can happen when enough external force is applied to the area. Broken bones most often occur due to accidents like falls and contact while playing sports.
Signs & Symptoms
While symptoms can range from mild to severe, the most commonly reported signs of a broken bone include:
- Pain
- Swelling and inflammation
- Bruising and discoloration
- Visible deformity
Addressing a Broken Bone
Regardless of the severity of your injury, it is important to seek medical attention from an orthopedic specialist as quickly as possible. However, if your bone has broken through the skin, it is essential that you seek emergency medical attention by calling 9-1-1 or heading to the emergency room straight away.
Sprains
A sprain occurs when a ligament is overstretched or torn by an external force placed on a joint. Typically, this happens after a fall or when a joint is twisted beyond its normal range of motion.
Signs & Symptoms
The most commonly reported symptoms of a sprain include:
- A “popping” sound at the time of the injury
- Pain
- Swelling and inflammation
- Limited range of motion
- Inability to put weight on the affected area
- Tenderness or weakness
- Muscle cramping or spasms
Addressing a Sprain
If you experience a sprain, remember to use the RICE method:
- Rest the affected area
- Ice the affected area for 20 minutes at a time
- Compress the affected joint with a bandage
- Elevate the affected area to rescue inflammation
If you’re experiencing any type of sports injury, the team at Fox Valley Orthopedics can help. Call (630) 584-1400 for an appointment, or visit FVOrtho.com. For all concussion injuries, call 9-1-1 or visit a nearby emergency room.
Founded in 1974, Fox Valley Orthopedics (FVO) provides musculoskeletal care in the diagnostic and comprehensive treatment of acute or chronic orthopedic conditions or injuries. FVO board-certified/board-eligible physicians and surgeons specialize in all areas of orthopedics and draw from multiple treatment options to provide surgical and non-surgical solutions. Orthopedic specialties include foot and ankle, hand and upper extremity, joint replacement, spine, sports medicine, pain management, rheumatology, and weight management. Visit FVOrtho.com, or call 630-584-1400 for more information.
