Laney Health Resource Page

Nutrition BMI Health Consumers Healthy Lifestyles Decision Making and Goal Setting Communication Character Intro To Physical Activity Goals and Physical Activity Injuries

Injuries Due to Physical Activity

Physical Activity Injuries

Unfortunately, even when it seems like we have done everything in our power to remain healthy and injury-free, we still manage to get hurt.  Many of these injuries occur during summer training or during winter sports seasons.  Below is list of weather-related health risks you may face as a teen.

Hot-Weather Health Risks

  • Overexertion - this is when you push your body harder than it is ready for at that particular time
    • some signs would be dizziness, headache, shortness of breathe, and nausea
  • Heat Cramps - muscle spasms result from losing too much water and salt through sweating
  • Heat Stroke - a condition when the body can not lower the core temperature of the body
Cold-Weather Health Risks
  • Frostbite - a condition in which the body tissue freezes
    • this most often occurs to the ears, face, feet, and fingers
  • Hypothermia - is the opposite of heat stroke, it is a condition when the body can not keep the core temperature high enough and the body organs begin to shut down

Either Weather Health Risks
  • Sun Burn - this is the burning of the outer layer of the skin
    • some signs of this would be blistering, swelling, and soreness of the skin
  • Wind Burn - occurs when the skin is exposed to freezing wind
    • some of the signs are redness and tightness of skin and the skin being sore to the touch


A high percentage of the time coaches and students, due to the insistance of the parents, have a great grasp on weather related injuries.  The teens see and hear more about are minor and major injuries.  Minor injuries would be muscle cramps, strains, and sprains.  Major injuries are considered fractures and dislocations, tendonitis, and concussions.  First, lets go over minor injuries:

Minor Injuries

  • Muscle Cramp - this is when you have a sudden tightening of a muscle
    • it occurs when you sometimes overwork or do physical activities that your body is not use to doing
    • muscle cramps can be relieved with massage
  • Strain - a condition caused by damage to a muscle or tendon
    • can be treated using the R.I.C.E. Procedure
  • Sprain - a condition caused by damage to ligaments surrounding a joint
    • can be treated using the R.I.C.E. Procedure
R.I.C.E. Procedure - hels to reduce pain and swelling and speed up recovery time
  • Rest - take time off after the injury
  • Ice - placing an ice bag or ice cup massaging the area reduces swelling and pain.  apply to the affected area for approx. 15 - 20 minutes
  • Compression - applying light pressure with an elastic bandage can also reduce swelling
  • Elevation - raising the affected area above heart level helps to reduce pain and swelling
Major Injuries
  • Fractures and Dislocations
    • Fractures are breaks in the bone
    • Dislocations are when a bone in knocked from its joint
      • In both cases, a health care professional should be seen immediately
  • Tendonitis
    • Is the inflamation of the tendon caused by stretching or possibly a tear of the tendon
      • Treatment would involve rest, medication, and physical therapy
  • Concussion
    • Is caused when an head impact causes the brain to hit the inside of the skull
      • can cause swelling of the brain, memory loss, unconsciousness, or even death
      • seek immediate medical attention

 

Information for this webpage is for informational purposes only.  More information about the topics on this page can be found in our school health book. 

Reference: 

Merki, M.B., Merki, D. (2004). Glencoe Health: Ninth Edition. New York: McGraw Hill.

Here is a link that explains the various types of broken bones (fractures).

Various Broken Bones