Signs of Sports Concussions

A sports concussion (sports-related or otherwise) refers to a certain type of traumatic brain injury caused by an impact to the body or head. Concussions often occur after an accident, fall, fight, or anything else that can cause your skull to shake. Concussions are common with athletes, hockey players, footballers, rugby players, boxers and martial art enthusiasts.

It is easy to suffer from a concussion, and fail to know about it immediately. Symptoms of a concussion can either be severe or mild. 

Common signs of a concussion are;

·      Headache
·      Dizziness
·      Anxiousness
·      Blurriness
·      Nausea and vomiting
·      Memory complications
·      Poor Sleep patterns
·      Irritability
·      Anger
·      sadness
·      Fatigue
·      Feeling emotional
·      Nausea
·      Nervousness
·      Numbness
·      Sensitivity to either noise or light
·      Vomiting

Effects of concussion:

Concussions can either cause severe or mild effects. Nevertheless; serious effects are very rare after a concussion. Here are both short and long term effects of concussions;

· Communication Problems

· Abnormal Brain Waves

· Sensory processing impairment: Visual, Auditory,

· Motor Skills Decline: Fine motor skills, Gross motor skills

· Cognitive impairment: Memory, Learning, Attention,

· Emotional Disturbances; Anger, Anxiety, Depression

· Neurodegeneration

· Low sex drive

· Movement complications

· Disturbed sleep patterns

How to Prevent a Concussion:

While a concussion can be inevitable in some cases, its effects can be catastrophic. The human brain is very delicate. Therefore, it is imperative to take the following preventive measures to prevent concussions from occurring:

     1. Always wear protective equipment

Protective gear and equipment are highly recommended for those who engage in vigorous activities such as football, boxing, skiing, rugby, horse riding, hockey, skateboarding, cycling, snowboarding, racing and martial arts among others. Wearing helmets, eye and mouth guards can help to reduce the risks of concussions significantly. However, it is extremely important to ensure that your protective equipment/gear fit perfectly and well-maintained for maximum protection.

     2. Be careful

Being careful when engaging in driving and sports activities can make all the difference. Desist from driving under the influence of alcohol or drug, respect speed limits, obey traffic rules and respect other drivers to avoid causing concussions-related accidents. High impact sports athletes should avoid reckless tackles, and be fully aware of their surroundings and other players. In other words, attentiveness and soberness are keys to preventing concussions.

Recommended Actions in case of a Concussion:

    

     1. Seek Medical Attention

There is wisdom in seeking sports medical assistance after a concussion. Health experts recommend against ignoring traumatic brain injury symptoms to avoid negative long-term effects on your health and wellness. Your doctor can give you the right medical attention depending on whether your concussion is mild or severe.

     2. Take a Rest

People who engage in rigorous sports are more susceptible to concussions than those who don’t. In case of a concussion, a player should take a break immediately. Rest helps the brain to recover from a concussion. Should symptoms persist, seek immediate medical attention.

     3. Avoid concussions reoccurrences

Do everything in your power to guard yourself against regular concussions. Repeat concussions can effectively cause severe brain damage.

Treatment for a concussion:

Concussions can be treated using various medical methods, with specific treatment being dictated by the severity of the concussion. A well-qualified medical professional can make his/her recommendation depending on the symptoms and severity of the concussion injury.

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Achilles Tendon Injuries & Torn Achilles

The Achilles tendon, which runs from your heel bones to your calf muscles, is commonly known as the largest tendon in your body. Unfortunately, Achilles tendon injuries can occur quite commonly in sports activities such as jumping, running, walking, football, Baseball, Softball soccer, tennis, swimming, and basketball among others.

Torn Achilles can be highly problematic for athletes, and often sidelines them completely during recovery. Achilles tendon injuries can hinder one's ability to move freely or perform in virtually any sports activity. This foot injury is best known for its ability to cause extreme discomfort and excruciating pain. But, it can be fixed.

What causes Achilles tendon injuries?

A torn/ruptured Achilles tendon can occur as a result of many things. For starters, Achilles injuries can affect anyone regardless of whether they are active in sports activities or not. These injuries can be caused by any of the following factors;

·      Wrong footwear

·      Overstretching

·      Fallen arches/flat feet

·      Steroid injections

·      Physical fitness activities

·      Age

·      Weak or stiff leg muscles/tendons

·      Consumption of fluoroquinolones antibiotics

·      Sudden leg movements

Symptoms of Achilles tendon injuries

·      Tenderness/swellings/stiffness

·      Excruciating pain

·      Movement problems, particularly when stretching your ankle or knee

·      Inability to stand on your toes

·      Skin discoloration

·      Bruising

·      Discomfort/uneasiness

·      Disturbed sleep patterns

·      Mood disorders such as stress and anxiety

Prevention of Achilles tendon injuries

You can lower risks of developing Achilles tendon tears/ruptures problems through the following tactics and tips;

·      Wear appropriate footwear: Resist from wearing high heels or uncomfortable, or ill-fitting shoes.

·      Engage in stretching the calf muscles to help create more flexibility in your tendons/muscles significantly.

·      Exercise regularly, and remember to warm up beforehand.

·      Avoid running, jumping or exercising on uneven surfaces.

·      Increase your training intensity at a slow pace.

·      Avoid engaging in risky or vigorous physical activities that may mount extreme stress on your tendon Achilles unnecessarily.

Diagnosis of Achilles tendon injuries

Achilles tendon ruptures or tears can be diagnosed through the following mechanisms;

1.     Physical exams

Any reputable healthcare professional or orthopedic doctor can conduct a thorough physical exam to diagnose a torn or ruptured tendon. Your GP may scrutinize your lower leg for swellings, tenderness, bruises or skin discoloration. A gap in your tendon Achilles may be an indication of a severe rupture.

2.     X-rays

The advancement in medicine technology has been a great boost to the general healthcare sector. Doctors can examine the extent of a torn/ruptured tendon Achilles through the use of x-rays.

3.     Ultrasounds

Your doctor may decide to conduct an in-depth inspection on your lower leg using ultrasounds to determine the extent of your Achilles inflammation, tear, rupture or any other damage.

4.     MRI Scans

MRI scans have become popular among doctors due to their effectiveness in facilitating detection of ruptured or torn Achilles.

Treatments for Tendon Injuries

Having a torn Achilles or ruptured tendon? Well, you don’t have to stress yourself excessively. Achilles injuries can be treated through the following techniques;

1.     Non-surgical methods

Doctors may be able to treat a torn Achilles using non-surgical, non-invasive methods such as exercising, elevation, ice, rest, stretching, or just being careful.

2.     Physical therapy

Your doctor can treat your torn/ruptured tendon using a physical therapy program.

3.     Surgery

This is normally the best option for treating severe Achilles tendon ruptures according to many doctors. Your GP may recommend an orthopedic surgery after realizing that all other treatment options are ineffective.

4.     Rehabilitation

Your doctor may recommend a rehabilitation program that combines regular exercises, well-balanced diet, and physical therapy after your non-surgical or surgical treatment for a quicker Achilles tendon injury recovery.

Remember to live life to its Fullest

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.