5 Common Sports Injuries & When to See a Specialist Playing sports or even doing daily physical activities can put people at risk of various types of injuries. Such an active lifestyle can result in anything from just a simple stretch of a ligament to severe brain trauma. Therefore, an active person needs to know the common types of injuries, their symptoms, and the right first aid. Besides that, it can be beneficial in the healing process if a person knows exactly when the injury needs to be treated by a specialised professional, such as an Orthopaedic doctor in Gurgaon. This blog enumerates the top five sports injuries and helps figure out the right time for a specialist visit.
Understanding Common Sports Injuries The first five categories to consider for the most frequent types of injuries are the most common. The patient understands those distinctions and, therefore, the key to the initial management.
1. Sprains and Strains ● Sprains are injuries that result from the overextension or tearing of a ligament, the stiff tissue that binds bones together, most commonly as a result of an abnormal joint rotation (e.g., twisting an ankle).
Symptoms: Sharp pain, swelling, and a feeling of heaviness, numbness, or tingling around the joint. Initial Treatment: The first aid acronym should be applied as soon as possible and maintained for the first 24-48 hours. ● Strains involve your muscles or tendons and occur from overstretching or tearing. The causes of strains can be fatigue, lack of flexibility, or insufficient warm-up. Symptoms: Pain, tenderness, swelling, and muscle spasms in the area, which a strain can also cause. Initial Treatment: Rest, followed by gentle stretches and a gradual return to activity after 48 hours.
2. Bone Stress Injuries (Including Stress Fractures and Shin Splints) Stress injuries are generally caused by overuse, which leads the bone to rupture in a way that is faster than its rebuilding. Such things as shin splints and stress fractures fall under this category. Symptoms: The pain is localised and usually occurs with increased activity or immediately afterwards. Treatment: Activity Modification: Changing or lessening the amount of activity. Cross-Training: Performing low-impact exercises to keep up the level of fitness. Mechanical Assessment: Locating the problem by evaluating aspects such as foot posture and running technique.
Prevention: Strict stretching, using comfortable shoes, and slowly increasing the intensity of the activity.
3. Tendinitis Tendinitis is an inflamed tendon; most often, it is a result of repetitive stress (overuse). The inflammation may develop in the shoulder, elbow (e.g., 'tennis elbow'), knee, or ankle. Signs: More pain during the activity and swelling in the area of the injured tendon. Treatment: In addition to rest and immobilisation, the affected area should receive ice, compression, and elevation (the PRICE protocol). If necessary, anti-inflammatory medication can be used (only upon a doctor's advice). Moreover, a doctor or physiotherapist usually prescribes a program with targeted stretches and strengthening exercises. Prevention: Getting properly warmed-up and stretched, and not overdoing yourself with the repetitive
4. Fractures (Broken Bones) A fracture is when the bone is broken. Movement of the joint does not necessarily mean that there is no fracture, which is often wrongly assumed. Symptoms: Severe pain, very noticeable swelling, and a significant reduction in joint movement. Treatment: Immobilisation: The use of casts or braces to keep the bone that is fractured in one place until it is healed. Apply ice right away (do not apply it directly to the skin). Later rehabilitation to regain strength and stability.
Prevention: Essential in sports with a high risk of injury, mainly through the use of the correct protective equipment.
5. Concussion A concussion is a traumatic brain injury which happens when a person's body is hit directly or indirectly, resulting in a force being sent to the head, or it could also be a sudden, rapid movement of the head. The injury impairs brain function. Symptoms: (may be immediate or delayed up to 36 hours): Headache, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and noise, feeling "slowed down" or "in a fog," difficulty concentrating/remembering, and emotional changes/irritability. Action: Athletes with these symptoms should undergo a medical examination without delay. Delayed response may result in a longer duration of symptoms. Treatment: Relative rest, modification of school/work activity, and rehabilitation therapies
When to Consult a Specialist? The first treatment at home by the use of the P.R.I.C.E. method is effective in most cases of minor sprains and strains. However, there are a few signals that point to the need for a specialist, such as an orthopaedic doctor in Gurgaon or an orthopaedic surgeon in Gurgaon. A team of orthopaedic doctors specialises in the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles) and is equipped to deliver advanced diagnostics and treatment.
Key Pointers to See a Specialist:
● Inability to Bear Weight: When you are not able to walk or put any weight on a limb right after the accident. ● Deformity: Any distinctive or clear misalignment or "out-of-place" shape of a joint or limb. This may point to a dislocation or a severe fracture. ● Persistent Symptoms: Pain or swelling that does not show a significant reduction after 48 hours of the PRICE regimen. ● Numbness or Tingling: These signs can indicate nerve damage from the injury. ● Concussion Symptoms: A call to the doctor, immediately, in case of any suspected concussion, to give the brain the rest it needs and watch for any complications. ● Instability: A joint that feels loose, gives way, or repeatedly sprains most likely indicates a severe ligament tear (e.g., ACL or PCL). ● Suspected Fracture: When there is a strong suspicion of a broken bone, medical help should be sought without delay, and the area should be kept still. If you have complicated musculoskeletal injuries, it is advisable to get a second opinion from a specialist or go to a specialized centre such as an Orthopaedics hospital in Delhi. Well Park Hospital is one where you can be assured of the most accurate diagnostic tests and a complete rehabilitation program that can include physiotherapy, use of a support, or, in extreme cases, surgical intervention. Ultimately, the proper and timely treatment of such problems is what will allow you to regain your health completely and safely resume your activities.
Originally posted on: https://sites.google.com/view/parkhospitalnearme/blogs/5-common-sports-injuries-when-to-seea-specialist
