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Kitsap Youth Sports
Kitsap Youth Sports
Sports Injuries
Recognition & Management
TENNIS ELBOW
Tennis elbow is an overuse condition that causes pain in the muscles that attach on the outside of the elbow.
This condition is also known as "Lateral Epicondylitis"
Although it is not harmful - this condition can become very painful.
Symptoms may include pain in the lateral elbow which becomes worse with lifting or loading the arm, mild inflammation, loss of function due to pain inhibition.
Initial treatment recommendation includes resting (if symptomatic enough) and icing.
Further treatment options may vary based on symptoms and examination by a medical professional.
Rehabilitation exercises may be beneficial to aid in recovery and a successful return to play.
**When in doubt - please seek evaluation by a medical professional**
An acute injury is one that occurs from a traumatic event/injury.
Includes: Sprains, Strains, Fractures, Contusions
Treatment often utilizes the RICE method (click here for details).
Recovery time will vary based on the severity of the injury and treatment required.
Recommend seeking medical care if unsure of the severity of the injury, any loss of function or severe pain.
** When in doubt - please seek evaluation by a medical professional**
ACUTE INJURIES
CHRONIC
INJURIES
A chronic injury is one that occurs more slowly over time.
This injury usually occurs due to overuse, or repetitive movements that slowly break down the injured body part.
Include: Tendonitis, Stress fractures, Shin splints, Epicondylitis
Treatment often includes a period of rest and a gradual return to play.
Recovery time is typically slower than an acute injury.
These injuries can often be prevented (see injury prevention information).
Recommend seeking medical care if unsure of severity of injury, loss of function or pain that does not improve with rest.
** When in doubt - please seek evaluation by a medical professional**
Chronic Injuries
A sprain is an injury to a ligament.
A ligament is tissue that connects the bones of a joint and provides stability.
An injury to a ligament can lead to instability of a joint.
Some of the most common sprains occur in the ankle, knee, shoulder and elbow - but any joint can be sprained.
Symptoms range in severity and may include: pain, swelling, bruising and loss of function.
Treatment often includes RICE (click here for details) and evaluation by a medical professional to determine the severity of injury and rule out a fracture.
Other treatment options may be recommended based on examination by a medical professional.
Based on severity of injury - recommend rest from activity until symptoms resolve and then a gradual return to play.
Rehabilitation exercises may be beneficial to aid in recovery and a successful return to play.
The athlete may benefit from bracing/taping/protection of the body part when returning to play.
** When in doubt - please seek evaluation by a medical professional**
SPRAINS
Sprains
STRAINS
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon.
These usually occur from an overstretch or sudden forceful contracture of a muscle.
Some commonly strained body parts include the calf, thigh and shoulder.
Symptoms range in severity and may include: pain, swelling, bruising and loss of function.
Treatment often includes RICE (click here for details) and evaluation by a medical professional.
Other treatment options may be recommended based on examination by a medical professional.
Strains often require resting from activity until symptoms resolve and then a slow return to activity to prevent a recurrence of the injury.
Rehabilitation exercises may be beneficial to aid in recovery and a successful return to play.
Some strains can be prevented by a proper warm up and stretching routine.
** When in doubt - please seek evaluation by a medical professional**
Strains
Acute injures
A fracture is an injury that occurs when a bone is broken.
This injury can occur from a traumatic event or from overuse (stress fractures).
A fractured bone and a broken bone are the same thing - one is not any more serious than the other.
Some fractures are stable and will not require operative intervention.
Other fractures may be displaced or unstable and will require surgery to help repair.
Acute fractures typically heal within 6-8 weeks.
A stress fracture may take several months to fully recovery - even with proper rest.
Symptoms may include: Pain, swelling, bruising, loss of function or an inability to bear weight on the injured extremity.
If you suspect a bone is fractured - seek medical care prior to returning to play.
** When in doubt - please seek evaluation by a medical professional**
FRACTURES
Fractures
Tennis Elbow
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