Common Fall Sports Injuries

Identifying & Addressing Fall Sport Injuries

Whether you prefer football, soccer, or cheerleading—the fall season can be put on hold due to a variety of orthopedic injuries. The orthopedic health experts at Fox Valley Orthopedics are here to outline some of the most commonly experienced injuries during the fall season and what you can do to address them.

Concussions

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that happens when an individual experiences a blow or jolt to the head that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth within the skull. In some cases, this type of impact can cause the brain to even twist within the skull.

Signs & Symptoms

The most commonly reported signs and symptoms of a concussion include:

• Appearing dazed or confused.
• Forgetting events surrounding the head injury.
• Clumsiness.
• Losing consciousness or fainting.
• Mood or personality changes.
• Answering questions slowly.
• Having a headache or feeling “pressure” in the skull.
• Nausea with or without vomiting.
• Sensitivity to light and sound.
• Feeling foggy and sluggish.

Addressing a Concussion

Although concussions are considered “mild” TBIs, they have the potential to cause serious damage to the brain. This is because concussions cause a chemical change within the brain and can lead to cellular damage.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, call 911 for emergency medical services:

• One pupil appears larger than the other.
• Inability to wake up or be woken up.
• Headache that is intensifying over time.
• Slurred speech.
• Dramatically decreased coordination.
• Repeated vomiting or feeling nauseous.
• Unusual personality changes.
• Having seizures or twitching.

Fractures

A fracture is a broken bone that can happen when enough external force is applied to the area. More often than not, broken bones happen due to accidents like falls and contact while playing sports.

Signs & Symptoms

While symptoms can range from mild to severe, the most commonly reported signs of a broken bone include:

• Pain
• Swelling and inflammation
• Bruising and discoloration
• Visible deformity

Addressing a Broken Bone

Regardless of the severity of your injury, it is important to seek medical attention from an orthopedic specialist as quickly as possible. However, if your bone has broken through the skin, it is essential that you seek emergency medical attention by calling 911 or heading to the emergency room straight away.

Sprains

A sprain happens when a ligament is overstretched or torn as a result of external force being placed on a joint. Typically, this happens as a result of a fall or twisting a joint beyond its normal range of motion.

Signs & Symptoms

The most commonly reported symptoms of a sprain include:

• A “popping” sound at the time of the injury.
• Pain.
• Swelling and inflammation.
• Limited range of motion.
• Inability to put weight on the affected area.
• Tenderness or weakness.
• Muscle cramping or spasms.

Addressing a Sprain

If you experience a sprain, remember to use the RICE method:

• Rest the affected area.
• Ice the affected area for 20 minutes at a time.
• Compress the affected joint with a bandage.
• Elevate the affected area to rescue inflammation.

If you have additional questions or concerns about an injury that you may have, be sure to reach out to an orthopedic specialist.

Orthopedic Care in Fox Valley

At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we can help you get back to a pain-free, comfortable life. If you have been dealing with aches and pains that have lasted for more than a week, don’t put off getting help another day. Call (630) 584-1400 today to schedule your appointment.