Bones
A distinction is made between two types of bone injuries:
Bruising and periostitis
Direct blunt force trauma causes damage to the periosteum. Overloading the skeletal system can also lead to periostitis. This results in localised pain, swelling, redness and overheating of the skin. These injuries are treated with cooling (ice, cold packs) and ointment compresses (cooling and anti-inflammatory). If the symptoms persist for longer than a week, a visit to the doctor is essential. If the acute symptoms subside, physiotherapy (ultrasound) can be started.
Bone fracture
In a bone fracture, the elasticity limit of the bone is exceeded, resulting in mechanical destruction of the bone structure. There are two different types of fracture: Direct or indirect exposure to force and chronic misuse or overloading (fatigue fracture). Because the bones, especially the periosteum, are equipped with a large number of pain receptors, a bone fracture causes a great deal of pain. Freedom of movement and weight-bearing are also restricted. After a fracture, medication helps to suppress the severe pain. Immobilisation by immobilising the affected body parts (splinting, involving neighbouring joints), clean or sterile covering of open wounds and rapid access to the nearest medical facility are further measures. Broken bones should always be treated by a doctor. The healing time is normally around 6 weeks. However, the muscle loss from the rest period must be compensated for before full sporting activity is possible again.
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