In our sport, injuries are often part of the game. So that the fun does not end prematurely, here are some tips to prevent as well as to treat some injuries we may encounter during the games so we may play safely and avoid long term injury:
Wounds>First is to stop the bleeding if the flow is profuse.
>Next is to clean the wound. Use water by pouring directly over the wound and try not to flush the dirt towards the wound. After doing this, put betadine with cotton ball over the wound in a circular manner starting from inside out.
>Lastly is to put gauze over the wound.
*Guys, I advice you to limit your use of band aids. Prolonged use may cause infection because it tends to accumulate moisture and sometimes hinders clotting.
Leg Cramps>If is happens during the game, first is try to move the affected muscle/s as little as possible until you reach the neutral zone.
>When you reach the Neutral zone, remove your shoes and ask someone to pull your heel and push the ball of your feet to stretch your leg muscle.
>Rest, and ideally put warm compress wrapped in cloth to relax the contracted muscle.
Inflammation*Put ice wrapped in cloth over the affected site.
*In cases of Ankle sprains, put ice wrapped in cloth and immobilize it until the pain lessens or subsides. You may continue if the pain is tolerable but you must put ankle support and try to walk on stable footing and avoid running. If pain becomes constant, DO NOT CONTINUE.
Exhaustion>First is too keep hydrated, gatorade and other energy drink can help replenish energy, but I advice not to consume more than 500mL in a day, drinking more than 1L can cause renal failure if done frequently.
>A more natural way to replenish energy is to eat bananas. It is a technique commonly used by tennis players and is a quick way to regain some strength.
Fractures>Immobilize the affected area and treat wound if present.
>If the suspected fracture does not have the bone sticking out or out of place, put a splint opposite the suspected crack and wrap an elastic bandage.
>Hospital is the only solution at this point.
Blisters*DO NOT PRICK THE BLISTER.
>You can put ice to shrink it for around 10mins.
>Then let be aired and wipe moisture off it.
>It will become dry skin in a few days.
Burns>Wash the burn with clean water.
>Apply betadine from inside to out with cotton ball.
>Put gauze bandage and be sure air can flow freely so that it may dry.
Improvised Stretcher>Here are the links of possible stretcher designs:
http://www.zeltbahn.net/float.htmhttp://www.tpub.com/content/medical/14295/css/14295_134.htmhttp://www.tpub.com/content/medical/10669-c/css/10669-c_177.htm>It is quite difficult to put into words the way the stretcher designs should be made so placed pictures instead.
>Also, not included here is the one we use for the boy scouts which is one of the ideal designs(no pix can be found).
