Skeletal System

Skeletal System

1. Injuries

   • Skeletal System absorbs impacts and collisions so can lead to injury
     • Some injuries are chronic, which means they develop over a period of time and usually caused by stress
       • Caused by training too hard, poor technique, poor footwear and lack of recovery time
   • Chronic injury
     • Occur due to repeated powerful muscle movement
     • Injuries should be treated by applying an ice-pack and resting for several weeks
     • Physiotherapy and possibly cortisone injections may be needed to treat these conditions
   • Shin splints
     • Shin splints are pains in the lower leg, caused by continuous stress over a long period of time
     • Either the tendons around the tibia become inflamed, or 'stress fractured' develop
       • Stress fractures are cracks along the length of the bone
     • Shin splints should be treated with ice packs and plenty of rest. Cushioned footwear and special insoles can help to prevent the injury returning
   • Acute injuries
     • Sprained/twisted ankle
       • Occur suddenly during an activity
       • Sprains
         • They involve ligaments rather than muscles and tendons
         • Sprains occur when the ligaments at the joints get stretched and torn
           • A sharp twist of the foot can give you a sprained or twisted ankle. Severe sprains result in torn ligaments
   • Fractures
     • Simple
       • Means that the bone is cracked but the shin is not broken
     • Compound
       • Means that the skin is broken and the bone is sticking out
     • Caused by violent impacts, most common in contact sports like rugby and sports where there is a risk of falling from height or at spped
       • Fractures are difficult to prevent as they cause by sudden and unexpected events or incidents. Using correct technique and playing by the rules can help reduce the risk
         • Fractures should be treated by immobilizing the injured area with a splint or sling
           • The casualty should not be moved until a ambulance arrives unless necessary
     • Fractures lead to; bruising, swelling, nerve damage(pain), limbs in area become immobile
   • Dislocation
     • Occurs when a bone is pulled or twisted out of plave at a joint
     • When a dislocation is the shoulder occurs the humerus is pulled out of the socket on the scapula
     • Very painful, require hospital treatment to move the bone back into position. The ligaments and tissue around the joint can take a long time to recover

2. Short and Long term effects of exercise

   • Joints have to work harder
     • Increase production of synovial fluid, which is secreted around the synovial joints to increase range and movement ease
   • Weight-bearing exercise can help to maintain bone density and strength
     • Both aerobic exercise and weight training, but must be weight bearing to increase bone strength
     • Stringer denser bones are better at carrying weight and are more resistant to injury