As people give up their sedentary winter lifestyles to hit the softball and baseball fields, minor injuries like abrasions and sprained ankles are keeping local doctors busy.

Doctor Les Searls at Ingham Regional Medical Center's Emergency Department on West Greenlawn Avenue in Lansing says patients are reporting lacerations and abrasions in his office. A laceration is a separation of the skin. He says an abrasion is caused by friction or scraping in which some of the skin as literally been worn away. The symptoms include pain, bleeding and swelling.

Treatments include stopping the bleeding with direct pressure and time. However, the doctor says cleaning is the most important aspect of wound care. Searls says to use gentle soap and water, rinsing with clean water for 5 to 10 minutes. Antibiotic ointment and a sterile gauze bandage will help to protect against infection and water loss until a scab forms. If it is a significantly dirty wound, you should get a tetanus shot. If you haven't had one in the last five years. Tetanus is a potentially deadly bacteria found in the soil. If it is a clean injury, you still need a tetanus shot if you haven't had one in the last 10 years. If your wound is serious, see a doctor.

Doctor Searls says that sprained ankles are also being reported in his office. Symptoms include pain, bruising and swelling. The ankle area is usually tender to touch and hurts to move it. Sometimes you may hear or feel a pop and feel something tear in the injured area.

Treatments include the RICE Method. That includes, rest, by stopping the activity, ice for no longer than 20 minutes at a time, and compression by wrapping the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage to decrease swelling. And finally, elevation of the injured area.