{"id":928,"date":"2024-02-24T05:52:23","date_gmt":"2024-02-24T05:52:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sribalajihospital.com\/?p=928"},"modified":"2024-05-02T10:11:03","modified_gmt":"2024-05-02T10:11:03","slug":"sports-injuries-diagnosis-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sribalajihospital.com\/sports-injuries-diagnosis-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Introduction To Sports Injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sports injuries are a common part of every sportsperson's career (whether recreational, semi-professional or professional). The common misconception is that pain during or after a sport is probably a result of a sports injury<\/a>. However, pain after a workout, training, or playing a sport may be due to multiple reasons. In other words, pain experienced by a sportsperson, even a recreational one, is not always an injury. The most common causes of pain following training or vigorous physical activity may also be due to one of the following:<\/p>\n

1. Muscle tightness<\/strong><\/p>\n

Usually as a result of inadequate stretching or \u201cwarm up\u201d before starting a game, training, or vigorous physical activity.<\/p>\n

2. Muscle fatigue<\/strong><\/p>\n

Usually occurs following frequent training or workout programs. This happens when the muscles do not get enough time to rest and recover following the previous session.<\/p>\n

3. DOMS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Delayed onset muscle soreness<\/a> typically occurs after intense strength training, especially targeting the lower limbs, but can affect various muscles throughout the body. It manifests as muscle soreness that peaks around 2 to 3 days after a workout.<\/p>\n

Guide to Increase Your Chances of Staying Injury-Free<\/h2>\n

Sports injuries can be avoided by ensuring the following aspects of your day are tied together seamlessly:<\/p>\n

1. Sleep<\/strong><\/p>\n

Quality sleep is essential for athletes aiming for a long, injury-free career. Beyond providing rest to the brain and preparing the mind for workouts, sleep aids in muscle regeneration and building. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, where you sleep and wake up at the same times daily, is vital for maintaining optimal physical condition. Prioritizing adequate rest and recovery is the initial step towards achieving your goals in training.<\/p>\n

2. Diet<\/strong><\/p>\n

A common misconception about diet is that it involves cutting out certain foods or nutrients like fats and carbohydrates. However, a balanced diet<\/a> contains a healthy dose of nutrients like fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. As the old saying goes, \u201cMuscles are not built in the gym; they are built in the kitchen.\u201dAn imbalanced diet lacking in carbohydrates and healthy fats can lead to poor training performance and hinder results. Conversely, an excess of fats and carbohydrates may result in weight gain, which can negatively impact athletic performance and increase the risk of joint pain and injuries due to added strain.<\/p>\n

3. Joint & muscle care<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maintaining optimal joint and muscle health year-round is essential. This involves prioritizing muscle flexibility through activities like yoga and stretching to reduce the risk of muscle tears. Adequate joint strength is also crucial, which can be supported by a balanced diet and appropriate supplements. Incorporating sustained stretching, mobility exercises, and yoga before activities can significantly contribute to injury prevention<\/a> in the long term.<\/p>\n

4. Gradual increments<\/strong><\/p>\n

Incrementally increasing one's efforts is vital for steady improvement and eventual sporting success. Pushing too hard before your body is prepared for intense activity can lead to injuries.<\/p>\n

5. Consistency<\/strong><\/p>\n

Consistency is crucial for enhancing sports and workout performances. Irregular training, whether high or low intensity, can increase the risk of sports injuries. By maintaining regular training sessions and gradually increasing intensity levels, athletes can achieve steady improvements in performance and conditioning, leading to success in sports.<\/p>\n

Navigating Sports Injuries: A Guide to Healing and Prevention<\/h2>\n

Even with consistent efforts, injuries can still happen. It's crucial to have a basic understanding of your body and its limits when it comes to handling training and sports activities. Gradually pushing and stretching these limits can lead to achieving greater feats and building a sustainable fitness, health, and sporting career.<\/p>\n

Understanding Sports Injuries: Types and Risks<\/h3>\n

The intensity and type of injury you are at risk of sustaining depend upon your physical condition and the type of sport & its intensity. These injuries can range from:<\/p>\n

Micro tears<\/strong><\/p>\n

Commonly occur during intense training and weightlifting. Despite their initial discomfort, these tears are actually beneficial for long-term muscle strengthening, as they prompt the repair and reinforcement of muscle fibres, resulting in stronger muscles. Given sufficient recovery time, typically ranging from 1 to 3 days, these micro-tears regenerate completely.<\/p>\n

Trigger points or Knots<\/strong><\/p>\n

These are minor injuries caused by improper posture or form during exercises or from the build-up of lactic acid due to prolonged or intense workouts. While not serious, they can cause discomfort lasting from a few days to a few weeks if left untreated. Treatment typically includes rest, applying ice packs, stretching, and in severe cases, physiotherapy<\/a> to release the knots.<\/p>\n

Sprains<\/strong><\/p>\n

These happen when a ligament or tendon is forcefully stretched beyond its limits. This typically results in mild inflammation. Immediate remedies include stopping the activity and applying an ice pack to the affected area to reduce pain. Recovery time varies based on the severity but usually ranges from a few hours to a few days, often resolving without medical intervention. However, stretching or massaging the area is not recommended for sprains.<\/p>\n

Tears<\/strong><\/p>\n

Muscle or ligament tears, like the rotator cuff tear<\/a> in the shoulder, can occur due to acute and excessive strain, often during sports or physical activities. This strain may result from inadequate warm-up, fatigue, or sudden stretching. Diagnosis is typically done by healthcare professionals, sometimes requiring imaging studies. Symptoms include severe pain exacerbated by movement of the affected muscle. It's crucial to avoid stretching the muscle further, as this can worsen the tear. Immediate discontinuation of activity and seeking medical attention are advised. Applying an ice pack and immobilising the muscle until medical help is obtained is recommended.<\/p>\n

Ligament injuries<\/strong><\/p>\n

These commonly result from abnormal twisting or bending of a joint during physical activity, often accompanied by a noticeable \"snap\" and severe pain. Treatment and recovery time vary depending on the affected muscle or ligament and the extent of the tear. Surgical or non-surgical treatments may be necessary, determined by medical professionals after reviewing scans. Healing time can range from 6 weeks to 6 months.<\/p>\n

Fractures<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fractures, common in contact sports, can range from simple hairline cracks to significant bone damage.<\/p>\n

Joint injuries<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joint injuries can be classified into three types: joint dislocations, osteochondral fractures, or soft tissue tears within the joints. Examples include meniscus tears in the knee joint or labral tears in the shoulder. Dislocations require immediate medical attention to restore the joint to its anatomical position. Surgical repair or debridement may be necessary, depending on the extent of the damage. Non-medical management is an option if an immediate return to sports is not necessary. Recovery time ranges from 6 weeks to 6 months, with a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol essential for full recovery. At Sri Balaji Hospital, we offer injury-specific rehabilitation protocols tailored to each type of joint injury to help athletes return to peak performance.<\/p>\n

The Most Common Types of Investigations Used for Sports Injuries<\/h3>\n

The type of investigation I recommend depends on the suspected injury. For bone injuries like fractures or dislocations, a simple X-ray is usually sufficient. Minor soft tissue injuries such as knots or sprains may not require any imaging studies. However, if a muscle or ligament tear is suspected, an MRI scan may be recommended.<\/p>\n

The Treatment Options<\/h3>\n

Treatment options always depend on the extent of the injury.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Rest:<\/strong> Useful in case of simple tears and sprains.<\/li>\n
  2. Ice pack application:<\/strong> Useful in case of simple tears and sprains.<\/li>\n
  3. Bracing:<\/strong> Recommended when an injured muscle, bone, or joint requires immobilisation to prevent further injury before transferring the individual to the healthcare facility. It can also be used as a treatment option when immobilisation is necessary for addressing the diagnosed problem.<\/li>\n
  4. Analgesics:<\/strong> Helpful to minimise pain and reduce inflammation in and around the injury.<\/li>\n
  5. Arthroscopic (keyhole surgeries):<\/strong> Arthroscopy<\/a> is highly effective for treating sports injuries. This technique surpasses open surgeries by avoiding damage to surrounding muscles and structures. It precisely visualises affected ligaments, muscle fibres, and bone fragments, leading to improved repair outcomes and faster recovery.<\/li>\n
  6. Open surgeries:<\/strong> Crucial for repairing structures damaged by sporting activities, especially in cases where arthroscopic surgeries are not as effective. This is particularly true for severe, extensive joint damage and neglected sports injuries.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    It's important to take proper measures as soon as possible in the case of small sports injuries, as it can significantly impact the healing process. Once you have recovered, continue practising safe techniques:<\/p>\n