Sports injuries occur when playing indoor or outdoor sports or while exercising. They can result from accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises. The most common sports injuries are sprains and strains, fractures, and dislocations.
The most common treatment recommended for injury is rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
Rest: Avoid activities that may cause injury.
Ice: Ice packs can be applied to the injured area, which will help reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel on the affected area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, for several days. Never place ice directly over the skin.
Compression: Compression of the injured area also helps reduce swelling. Elastic wraps, air casts, and splints can accomplish this.
Elevation: Elevate the injured part above your heart level to reduce swelling and pain.
Some of the common sports injuries include:
Foot and ankle injuries
Foot and ankle injuries include injuries in the leg below the knee, and they are common in athletes and while playing sports such as football, hockey, and skating. Common sports injuries to the foot and ankle include sprains and strains, ankle fractures, and Achilles tendinitis. Treatment for these conditions may include orthotics, braces, physical therapy, injections, or surgery.
Shoulder injuries
Severe pain in your shoulders while playing your favorite sport, such as tennis, basketball, and gymnastics, may be caused by a torn ligament or dislocation of the shoulder bone. These may result from overuse of your shoulder while playing sports. Simple pain or acute injuries may be treated with conservative treatment, while chronic injuries may require surgical treatment.
Hip injuries
Fractures of the femur bone, labral tear, and hip dislocation are some of the common sports injuries affecting the hip. The hip joint bears more weight and is more susceptible to injuries while playing sports. Hip injuries require immediate medical intervention to avoid further complications. Rehabilitation programs and physical therapy is often recommended following medical intervention, where you need to perform certain exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve movements.
Knee injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a major stabilizing ligament in the knee, which may tear with overuse while playing sports. The ACL has a poor ability to heal and may cause instability. Other common sports injuries in the knee include cartilage damage and meniscal tear. Knee injuries during sports may require surgical intervention, which can be performed using open surgical or a minimally invasive technique. Your surgeon will recommend physical therapy to strengthen your muscles and improve the elasticity and movement of the bones and joints.
At Scona Sports & Physiotherapy, our team has a wealth of experience in diagnosing, treating, and managing sports-related injuries arising from a wide range of sports disciplines including netball, soccer, AFL-footy, basketball, and martial arts/mixed fighting arts. We recognize that sports injuries vary from person to person and from sport to sport, ranging from social, amateur, and elite/professional levels of participation.
Our treatment approach provides each patient with a personalized plan for recovery, including rehabilitation to recover strength, fitness, and conditioning, and sport-specific skills to assist injury recurrence and prevention strategies.