Follow these helpful tips from our Sports Medicine Partner, Orthopedic ONE, to stay safe, enjoy the summer, and keep the fun injury-free!

 

Preventing Injury:

  • Warm Up: Before diving into your favorite outdoor activities, spend 10 minutes running, walking, or stretching to make your muscles flexible and ready for action.
  • Proper Form: To learn good form, consider taking a practice course/private lesson or bring along an experienced friend if you are trying a new activity.
  • Proper Equipment: Use correctly fitted equipment appropriate for your sport of choice.
  • Cool Down: After exercising, take a light walk and stretch to prevent joint stiffness and promote mobility.

 

Handling Minor Injuries:

  • Use the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) to recover from minor injuries like pulled muscles. Rest the area, apply ice or a compression sleeve, and elevate to reduce swelling.

 

When to Seek Help:

  • Specialist Support: For suspected fractures, sprains, strains, or concussions, contact Orthopedic ONE to see a Musculoskeletal Physician, typically within 24-48 hours. For concussions, start “brain rest” by avoiding screens, reading, and exercising.
  • Urgent Care: Visit an Urgent Care Center for immediate support if you can’t see a primary care provider or specialist right away. They’re open evenings and weekends for minor cuts or injuries needing stitches.
  • Emergency: For severe injuries like serious head trauma, major wounds, severe bleeding, or protruding fractures, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

 

Orthopedic ONE’s Sports Medicine Hotline

Orthopedic ONE’s Sports Medicine Hotline is a free resource staffed 7 days a week by certified athletic trainers to support athletes and their families. Simply leave us a message or send an email and a member of our team will reach out to help you navigate the next steps following an injury, including scheduling an urgent appointment with an Orthopedic ONE physician at a location near you.

(614) 827-8210 | [email protected]

 

Scan the QR Code to save the Sports Medicine Hotline contact info in your phone. You’re only ONE call away from Central Ohio’s most trusted team of orthopedic experts!