As the owner of a multidisciplinary sports injuries clinic in Durban, KPMED, I often get people asking me the difference between acute and chronic injuries. I’m going to take you through the definitions and recommended treatment methods for each one.
Acute injuries
An acute injury is a new or fresh injury that has suddenly occurred from an accident or sports injury. Whether it is a sprained ankle, a mild to major muscle tear or tendon tear, or even a bone bruise, you can apply a similar treatment in each case.
Remember this acronym: RICE. It stands for REST, ICE, COMPRESSION & ELEVATION.
REST the injured area.
ICE the injury. The icing constricts the blood vessels, limiting excessive bleeding into the surrounding area and helping reduce unwanted inflammation. In fact, an inflammatory reaction is necessary for the correct healing process to occur, but excessive inflammation can cause prolonged healing time and increased scarring in the area.
COMPRESSION: This reduces the excessive swelling around the area, but still allows the normal inflammatory reaction to occur for a strong repair in the muscle, tendon, or ligament.
ELEVATE the injured area.
Recent studies have shown that taking anti-inflammatory medication too early can weaken the healing process. I would recommend using paracetamol for pain and only after 72 hours; use NSAIDS if needed. Experts at our sports injuries clinic in Durban can advise you about acupuncture or electrotherapy to relax muscle spasms and accelerate healing.
Chronic injuries
A chronic injury is the opposite of acute and has been around for some time. It could develop in the post-injury phase or even months afterwards. If you think you have a chronic injury, a medical professional at our sports injuries clinic in Durban can help with soft tissue massage and deeper cross-frictioning across the fibres to entice the fibres to heal in a flexible way. Other recommended treatments can include acupuncture and light exercise that is gradual and consistent to promote healthy healing. Chronic tendon injuries are more complex and can be very painful. The most effective method of management is to reintroduce blood supply into the injured tendon and surrounding area by administering Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, acupuncture, and loading with eccentric-type exercise. Speak to our chronic injury specialists at KPMG about the right treatment for you.
Whether you have an acute or chronic injury, the correct management is vital for a strong healing process to occur. If handled correctly, you will be able to return to full function. For more information, get in touch with me at clinton@kpmed.co.za or book a consultation with us here.