The musculoskeletal system gives shape to the body. It supports the body by providing locomotion, gives muscles a place to attach, and forms protection to major body organs. It supports the brain (skull), heart and lungs (rib cage), pelvic organs (pelvis), and the spinal cord (vertebrae). I will be talking about the basics of musculoskeletal injuries.
The common injuries include:
Sprain: Injury to ligament. Signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, deformity, and discoloration of the skin. Use RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). You want to treat sprains as if there is a possible fracture that has occurred.
Strain: Injury to the muscle and/or tendon. Causes extreme pain, tenderness, stiffness of muscle, bump or depression, and loss of function. You want to place the victim in a comfortable position while applying the RICE rule. Activate EMS system if further deformity.
Dislocation: Displacement or separation of a bone from its usual position in a joint. There will be pain, loss of motion, deformity, and numbness/paralysis. Activate the EMS, immobilize in position found, use RICE, treat for shock as needed. When a person is in shock it is best to calm them and warm them with a blanket.
Cramps: Cramps are usually known as involuntary muscle contractions. Gently stretch the cramping muscle and apply pressure with the heel of a hand. Apply ice pack. A good remedy to a cramping muscle is drinking electrolytes. Gatorade or a lightly salted water works best.
Fractures: Types of fracture include comminuted, impacted, greenstick, oblique, spiral, and transverse. Mainly, a fracture is a break in the bone. There will possibly be pain, swelling, deformity, and increased skin temperature. Support the injured part, cover any open wounds with sterile dressings, clean any dirt or debris, and assess blood flow.
Reference:
"Musculoskeletal Injuries & Splinting." D2L - Michigan State University. N.p., 1 Feb. 2016. Web. 04 Mar. 2017.
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