It’s officially the season for spring sports! Whether your child is playing in a youth league or highschool varsity team, make sure they know how to best prevent sports injuries. Participating in sports is a great way to improve both physical and mental health. However, increased physical activity can also increase the risk of accidental injuries. When your child gets hurt, it’s important to follow the right steps in the recovery process so they can get back in the game!

For same-day sports injury treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Waltham. Our providers specialize in immediate pediatric services seven days a week. Walk into the clinic or schedule an appointment online.

What Is The R.I.C.E Method?

When a sports injury occurs, the R.I.C.E method has been proven successful at speeding up a successful recovery. The method stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Many sports injuries result in sprained or strained muscles, like a sprained ankle. Healthcare professionals commonly recommend athletes to follow the R.I.C.E method when treating minor injuries, such as sprains, strains, and bruises. Resting the affected area is crucial to allow the body to start the healing process without adding strain. Without proper rest, you may exacerbate the injury and prolong the healing process. Furthermore, applying ice to the affected area can significantly help to reduce pain and swelling. Ice works to reduce blood flow to the affected area, which in turn, decreases swelling and inflammation.

Additionally, the third step in the R.I.C.E method refers to compression. By applying controlled pressure to the affected area, you can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Compression provides support to the injury, which works to reduce pain. Try using an elastic bandage or a snug (not tight) compression wrap. Lastly, the final step is elevation. Elevating the injured area can help reduce swelling and improve better healing. For example, if you have a sprained ankle try raising the limb above the level of your heart to improve blood flow. This can be done on a pillow or cushion while laying down.

When To Seek Medical Attention

While the R.I.C.E method can be very effective for acute injuries, it’s important to seek the proper care for injuries that last longer than a week or worsen day by day. If you experience severe pain and swelling, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional. Urgent care centers are great resources for those looking to receive fast and immediate care. A medical provider can diagnose your injury with digital x-rays to detect if a fracture or bone break is visible. Digital imaging systems are efficient at providing clear and accurate x-rays, so you can be sure to get the best treatment possible.

What Sports Injuries Can Urgent Care Treat?

Urgent care centers, like AFC Urgent Care Waltham, are equipped to effectively treat acute, non-life-threatening sports injuries. When sports injuries occur, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and recommendations for care. Licensed medical providers at urgent care centers are experienced in acute sports injury treatment, allowing you to get accessible, affordable and quality care without the wait-times of the ER.

Common sports-related injuries treated at urgent care include:

• Sprains and strains
• Dislocations
• Broken or fractured bones
• Cuts, scrapes, and bruises

If you or your child needs sports injury care this spring, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Waltham. The clinic is open seven days a week. Visit our clinic today to get on track toward a speedy recovery. For more information about injury treatment or other urgent care services we provide, please walk-in or call us to speak with one of our medical professionals at (781) 894-6900.