Dealing with injuries can be one of the most annoying things that can happen to an athlete, also one of the most likely to happen. Sports are a physical practice and in that practice there is a potential to get hurt.
Just this past weekend I sprained my right thumb, better then when I broke my left arm, at a Ultimate Tournament in Davis, not on purpose, but simply because it is the nature of the game. So as I sit here typing with nine good fingers and a thumb bandaged in place I cant help but be reminded how important proper care is.
Nursing injuries back to health can be a slow and a sometimes painful process, but is important. Not only simply so that it stops hurting, but to get back out and playing as soon as possible. For myself this is the third time my thumb has been knocked out of commission, unfortunately I don’t take my own advice and give it proper time to heal before heading back out.
Primarily after the injury it is important to ice it to keep swelling down. Depending upon the severity of it a doctor might be a safe way to go. But if you are dumb and competitive like myself another good trick is understanding how to bandage the area back up so that it can be used in some capacity while limiting pain.
Overall though the best option is to ice it shortly after and stop playing. Then take the necessary weeks or months off to let the injury fully recover. This decreases the likelihood of a repeat injury and enables a return at top form.
Once again though I will not be taking my own advice because the next round of tryouts are only two weeks away, so here is to hoping for a swift recovery.
