Fall Sports Injuries: When to Have Your Student Athlete Checked Out by Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP

For student athletes, the lazy days of summer are long gone. While some spent their summer getting in shape, others are adjusting to rigorous workouts and demanding schedules that catch them – and their bodies – off guard. These transition periods are prime time for injuries. Sometimes ice and rest are sufficient, but these things need to be checked out:

Severe Acute Injuries 

• Back and/or neck pain.
• Inability to move extremities, numbness or visible deformity. 
• Joint locking or instability walking.
• Severe swelling. 
• Pain that disrupts daily activity and/or sleep.
  

Chronic,Overuse Injuries 

• Localized pain that is getting worse. 
• Pain that interferes with training. 
• Swelling that does not subside with ice and rest. 
• Pain that disrupts daily activity and/or sleep. 

Medical Emergencies 

• Trauma to the head that results in dizziness, blurriness, loss of consciousness, nausea, lethargy or agitation. 
• Overheating, 101 degree F or more fever, muscle cramping.
• Rashes that are raised, draining or blistering. 
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting. 
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing.
  

The emergency room isn’t the only place you can take your athlete. Urgent care centers, clinics and provider offices are all staffed with nurse practitioners (NPs) who are accessible and able to provide non-emergency treatment or referrals to help get your athlete back on the field! To learn more visit WeChooseNPs.org.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.

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