Best Treatment for Small Injuries - Sore Arm & Ankle Sprain

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Oct 21, 2016
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So DD's timing is bad. She tweaked her ankle at practice this past Sunday and has had a sore arm for the last week. She's 13 (C/OF) and this last month or so started a light weight training program, and between that and regular practice I think she strained a muscle on the top of her throwing arm/shoulder. Her first tournament is this weekend, and she is on 3 of 4 weekends for the next 4 months after that, so not a lot of rest time going forward. She's on complete rest this week, but if anyone has any experience with helpful treatments for either I'd appreciate any suggestions. I don't think either to be serious, but I'm afraid of them lingering.

Here's recap and what we have done to date:

Arm - Muscle/Tendon top of throwing shoulder/arm hurts only when she throws hard for past week. She can play light catch with no issues, and swinging a bat doesn't hurt. She iced after it happened and has rested for the past week.

Ankle - Slightly rolled it running to first 2 days ago. She iced it past 2 days, kept it raised when at home, and has sat out gym and all physical activity. Has been taking ibuprofen for swelling. She says its feeling better today. I plan on getting her some sort of light ankle brace for games this weekend.

Question: Should she be stretching these muscles, or just letting them rest?

A little over 3 days until at least a 4 game weekend, so any treatment suggestions are appreciated.
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
Here's a non Dr. advise that worked for me back in my day and works for both dd's...
Fill the bath with the absolute hottest water you can stand. ( It's really uncomfortable the first few min) Pour in about 3 cups of EPSOM Salt and soak until the water looses it's heat. Rinse off... Once dry rub in a smelly ointment called TIGER BALM. It's a tiny glass jar with Chinese writting on it.
It's amazing how you'll feel the next morning.

This was my routine after every boxing tournament or a long road march. But after the "soak and rub" I was good to go the next day. (As long as it's just muscle fatigue and minor brusing) There is no magic wand for legit injuries, she may need a rest
 
Last edited:
May 23, 2015
999
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I'm a pro with ankles and wrists. Put it in a bucket with ice water for about 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a day. Rest and don't rush it
 

Strike2

Allergic to BS
Nov 14, 2014
2,044
113
Icing controls initial swelling, but it also restricts blood flow, which is what will help heal the injury. Ice it initially, but then use only heat and a compression wrap, and keep elevated when possible. When stiffness subsides, try some limited movement to test the extent of the injury. It's really up to the individual, but keep in mind that once an ankle injury happens, it's more vulnerable to additional injury. Some kind of brace is a good idea until it completely heals. I had one a few years back that took several months before I no longer felt it, but was playing on it after a couple of weeks. I found that walking stairs helps strengthen a weak ankle.
 
Oct 3, 2009
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I am not a doctor and not directly addressing injuries but my DD swears by epsom salt baths as well. She has never used the tiger balm to my knowledge. She actually uses both hot epsom salt baths and the trainer where she plays is a big believer in ice baths. But again this is just for recovery and managing aches and pains.

Andy
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
The weird thing about Epsom salt is it's ability to release toxins from your body. Back when I was a disgusting smoker, an hour long Epson salt soak would produce a brownish yellow color to the water.... The salt would pull the nicotine out of my pores... Nasty, but very effective
 
Oct 21, 2016
189
28
Thanks for all the ideas. We will try the epsom salt. I think the ankle will be fine, but I expect it to tighten up on her between games, especially with the temps only getting to low 50's here in the PNW. Really not sure what to expect with the sore arm. She will have gone about 9-10 days without throwing and have no idea if that will have been enough. Won't know until Sat AM when we test it out.
 
Jul 5, 2016
652
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Another school of thought is that a 13 year-old shouldn't be experiencing any consistent pain or strain and if she is, you should shut her down and develop an age appropriate strength and conditioning program to support her sport. I don't know when it makes sense to play through pain, but I am pretty sure it isn't in 14U travel ball.
 

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