A chronic injury can be a painful and frustrating experience. However, with the right treatments, you can deal with this injury and get back to your normal routine. In this article, we’ll explain the most common causes of chronic injuries- and what you should do to treat your symptoms.
Acute Vs. Chronic Injury
First, let’s discuss what a chronic injury is in the first place. When we think of injuries, we usually think of acute injuries, which are caused by one-time accidents or trauma. A chronic injury, on the other hand, is caused by repeated movements in a certain part of the body. They are most common in athletes and other active individuals. Thus, they are often called “sports injuries”. Examples of chronic injuries include things like tennis elbow, runner’s knee, shin splints, and stress fractures.
Short Term Treatment
The most basic form of short-term treatment is rest. Since these problems are caused by overuse, the body will need some time to recover from these repetitive movements. Ice, anti-inflammatory medication, stretches, and physical therapy might also be recommended.
Long Term Treatment
Unfortunately, chronic injuries often require long-term care. Otherwise, the injured part of the body can be left vulnerable and cause you more problems in the future. The specific long-term treatment will depend on the individual. For some people, regularly resting the area is enough to prevent long-term problems. Other people might need physical therapy or even surgery to address a chronic issue.
Don’t Delay Your Care!
Getting medical treatment quickly is the best way to prevent long-term problems from your chronic injury. Therefore, it’s important not to delay seeing a doctor. Your doctor can treat your issue quickly while also helping you create a long-term care plan. They can also recommend massage therapy, medical devices, or other tools to aid in your recovery.
Emergency Care for Sports Injuries
If you have a sports accident, the Emergency Hospital Systems team is here to help. We offer 24/7 care for accidents, injuries, and other unexpected medical issues. Click here to learn more about our hospital locations.