We Texans love our sports. We love to watch them and cheer on our favorite teams and players. But we also love to play them ourselves. And sometimes on the field, on the court, or in the rink, accidents happen. Sports-related injuries range from very minor bruises to potentially life-threatening accidents. When an injury is serious enough to require emergency medical treatment it’s imperative that you know that it’s time to go.
Should We Go To The ER?
There are 5 major types of sports-related injuries that should raise a red flag and should result in a visit to the emergency room. They include:
- Head Injuries
- Chest Pain
- Neck Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Shortness of Breath
That isn’t to say that every injury or incident that falls into one of these categories requires a visit to us here at Elitecare, but when certain symptoms or levels of severity are involved, it most definitely does.
Concussion Symptoms
If an athlete suffers a hit to the head the potential for a concussion exists. A concussion is literally a traumatic brain injury that can result in serious consequences.
An immediate trip to the Emergency Room is required if an athlete experiences any of the following after a hit to the head:
- confusion
- bruise on the scalp
- loss of consciousness
- severe headache
- vomiting
- unusual behavior
- drowsiness or sleepiness
Neck Injuries
Another potential life-changing injury would be anything involving a player’s neck. Following any neck injury, an athlete should make the trip to the emergency room if they begin to experience any numbness, or tingling in their limbs, or if they are unable to talk or swallow
Here at Elitecare, our ability to act immediately can mean the difference. With on-site ER physicians here 24/7 as well as our in-house radiology department, we are able to get an athlete suffering from a neck injury treated fast and to reduce the risk of damage.
Shortness of Breath
While playing the game, most athletes will also experience shortness of breath. This is natural as participation in a sport requires players to exert extra energy into what they are doing.
However, should an athlete’s breathing become so labored that they can’t catch it, can’t speak, or is causing pain, seek medical help at the Emergency Room immediately.
Broken Bones
As you can see there are several instances where an injury during the big game can be very serious indeed. Another major sports-related wound potentially requiring emergency room treatment are broken bones.
While some twists and breaks may be able to wait until the next day, a trip to the ER is mandatory if the injury results in pain that will not stop, if a large bump appears where the injury occurred, or if there is any other physically visible deformity.
Should the skin break where the potential bone fracture occurred and emergency medical team should also be seen to avoid the potential of life-threatening complications.
Chest Pain
Last, in our list, today is any injury resulting in chest pain. Any athlete complaining of chest pain that won’t stop or that is accompanied by shortness of breath should be seen by one of our physicians at Elitecare immediately.
We’re Here If You Need Us
Our goal with this list is not to invoke fear into anyone but merely a level of awareness. I love sports as much as the next person. So go on out, give it all you got and enjoy the game, knowing that I and the rest of my teammates at Elitecare will be here if you need us.
