If you have a sports injury the first line of action is to prevent further damage. Don't let the problem get any worse and don't let the swelling continue.

Look for an obvious cause of the injury such as poorly fitting equipment or a missed step while sprinting.

If you can locate the source of the injury, you can begin to remedy the situation. If you have any of the above warning signs, do not continue your activity. Begin treatment immediately.

The first treatment indicated for any acute injury is reducing any swelling. Swelling causes pain and loss of motion, which in turn will limit use of the muscles. If you don't use the muscles, they will weaken, and shorten and resist repair.

The primary treatment for acute sports injury is rest, cold therapy, compression and elevation.

Rest in this case simply means to stop the activity that caused the injury.

Compression for an acute injury is the most important immediate treatment. Wrapping the injured body part with an ACE bandage can keep swelling to a minimum.

Never apply heat to an injury. Heat will increase circulation and increases swelling.

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