In Australia, sports are an important part of our culture, and for many of us growing up, we were told to “suck it up” and not to let down your teammates or coach. Times have changed, but kids still feel the same pressure. Unfortunately, this isn’t hearsay. According to a worldwide survey, 48% of kids said they hide their injuries just so that they can continue playing.

However, this behaviour is more serious than you may think.

• Risks

Dr Sarah Gibson from Nemours Organisation explains in her research that playing sport with an injury can have serious unwanted consequences.

These include:

• It can make the injury worse

Even if there is minor stress pressed on the injury or fracture, it can lead to a worsening of the original injury, resulting in a more painful and serious condition that will take even longer to heal.

• It can bring on a different injury

Having an injury, for example, a sprained ankle, and return to the sports field before the injury has healed fully, it can lead to extra stress being put on other body parts and increase the likelihood of other injuries.

• Solution

The ultimate solution is to follow your doctor or physio’s orders no matter how well you may think you feel. Even if the original pain is no longer present.

Here are options:

• Bedrest

Doctors and sports physios always suggest bedrest. This does not mean you need to sleep all day. It is a term to mean that you should refrain from being active until the injury is fully healed.

• Rehab Centre

There are various solutions available at a sports rehab clinic. Physiotherapy may be one of the options necessary, depending on the type and extent of injury incurred.

• Medication or Sporting injury applications

Medication is available that can assist in the healing of a sports injury, and natural sports injury treatments such as sprays and ointments can also be used. Be sure to select these products from a reputable organisation.

If you need to get back into the game and require natural pain relief products to help alleviate your pain, contact us today for more information.