If you’ve got a minor sports injury, you might be looking for ways to care for it at home or until you can see a professional for further care.

At The Ready Care Clinic in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, we see a lot of sprains and strains. As medical professionals, it’s just as important to us that you can effectively take care of yourself at home, even when we don’t see you in the office. We care about your health!

Learn what injuries are considered minor sports injuries, when you should take care of them at home instead of seeking the help of urgent care doctors, and how to best treat them on your own.

What is Considered a Minor Sports Injury?

First, you don’t have to play a sport to suffer from an injury under the general umbrella name of sports injuries. These are simply injuries that happen usually due to movements, overuse, or minor trauma. They can happen while playing sports, running, dancing, or playing on a playground. They can also occur while doing everyday tasks at home.

The following are prevalent types of sports injuries:

When should I go to the emergency room or rapid urgent care for a sports injury?

Sometimes sports injuries can be severe, of course, and you should seek medical attention immediately. Here is a list of symptoms and injuries that require immediate care:

How To Treat Minor Sports Injuries At Home

Some minor injuries may not need any attention. For example, minor bruises from bumping into things or minor cuts to the mouth will often heal independently with minimal to no treatment. Sometimes, however, simple first aid and home care are necessary. Below are ways to treat different types of minor injuries at home:

Cuts and Abrasions

Stop the bleeding, if necessary, with clean hands by applying firm pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Clean the wound with water and the surrounding area with mild soap. Once clean and dry, you can also apply an antibiotic ointment to the cut or abrasion to decrease the risk of infection. If necessary, bandage a wound. Very minor cuts or abrasions don’t always need to be covered. Watch for signs of infection, including swelling, increasing pain, pus or other liquid, and fevers. Call your physician or head to an urgent care clinic if an infection occurs.

Sprains and Strains

Follow the R.I.C.E method for these types of injuries. R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevate. Stop activities immediately and stop putting weight on the injured area if possible. Ice the area and then add light compression to decrease swelling. Finally, rest with your leg or arm elevated. Following this method is essential even if you’re seeking medical attention immediately.

Nose Injuries

Sit down and close your nose shut with your fingers for a nosebleed. Lean forward and rest your head between your knees. Do this for at least ten minutes, breathing through your mouth and keeping your nose pinched shut. Do not lean backward or try to blow your nose. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after ten minutes, head to an urgent care or an emergency room.

Find sports injury care in the Harrodsburg, Kentucky, area

The Ready Care Clinic is affordable, efficient, and offers walk-in care. We’re staffed with professionals to assess and treat your sprains, strains, and more. We have three locations in Harrodsburg, Lawrenceburg, and Crab Orchard, with one in Danville coming soon! Contact us with any questions.

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