Kiwis are sports-mad – but we’re not always sane about injury prevention.
We are an adventurous lot. A small country, yes, but New Zealand is a nation of sports lovers renowned for skiing active volcanoes, bungy jumping, whitewater rafting and being up with the best in yachting, rugby union, rugby league, netball, cricket, rowing, softball and motorsport.
Many young people and adults take part in some regular sport such as golf, touch, rugby, league, netball, cricket, tennis or swimming. For adults, this brings a high injury rate to ankles, knees, shoulders, hamstrings and heads, particularly with rugby, league and netball. On average, one in three of these injuries requires some medical attention.
While it’s impossible to prevent every injury, there’s plenty we can do to reduce the risk of damaging muscles, tendons and ligaments. Warm up properly before playing, strap ankles correctly if injury prone and wear the right footwear, head gear and mouthguard for the sport. Sit out the game if in pain or feeling tired. Know the rules, follow them and leave the referee alone.
Children usually get injured playing against bigger or heavier kids. If they complain of pain, take notice.
Most injuries are not life threatening but, if not treated correctly, can cause ongoing problems. A good first aid kit should be on hand, as should someone who knows how to give correct immediate treatment.
Common joint and muscle injuries can be best helped by rest, knowing how to apply cold (or sometimes heat), elevating the limb or joint and providing some firm compression and support with a bandage or TubiGrip to reduce swelling and pain. See a doctor or physiotherapist if things haven’t improved in 48 hours or you are worried.
If it is a suspected emergency such as a head or spinal injury, do not attempt to move the person without a qualified paramedic or doctor giving instructions.
Concussion may appear to be mild but can worsen quickly and have serious long-term effects. Get medical help if headache, nausea, sleepiness or any illness develops.
Not everyone will become a Richie McCaw or an Irene van Dyk. Nevertheless, sport is for enjoyment and the rules of the game are intended to help reduce injury. Unfortunately, calls to ‘‘bring back the biff’’ persist, and many sportsmen and women continue to play when they should be on the sideline recovering. Both send the wrong message.
Sports doctor and former medical director of the New Zealand Olympic team Dr Chris Hanna offers this advice: ‘‘The most important thing to remember about injuries is to listen clearly to your body. Unfortunately, not enough people pay attention to this.’’
- Visit www.acc.co.nz for more information on preventing and treating sports injuries.
| DIY: SAFETY |
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1 Encourage children to try various sports, both for fun and to prevent single-sport overuse injury.
2 Become a coach or parent helper – it’s a good opportunity to be a positive role model. |
3 Let injuries heal completely before playing again.
4 Choose the correct protective gear for any particular sport. |
(Published in the Sunday News, 9 August 2009)
More everybody MYHEALTH columns from Barbara Docherty
Barbara Docherty is a registered nurse and clinical lecturer at the University of Auckland School of Nursing, and writer for the everybody.co.nz website. The opinions contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsor. Copyright UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.
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