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Click on the links below to find out more:
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Achilles Tendon Problems (Tendinopathy)
- Ankle Cartilage Injuries
- Ankle Fractures
- Ankle Sprains
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
- Knee Cartilage (meniscus) Tears
- Stress Fractures
Sports injuries occur when playing indoor or outdoor sports or while exercising. Sports injuries 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 to diminish swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel to 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 helps to reduce swelling. Elastic wraps, air casts, and splints can accomplish this
- Elevation: Elevate the injured part above heart level to reduce swelling and pain.
Some of the measures that are followed to prevent sports related injuries include:
- Follow an exercise program to strengthen the muscles
- Gradually increase your exercise level and avoid overdoing the exercise
- Ensure that you wear properly-fitted protective gear such as elbow guards, eye gear, facemasks, mouth guards, and pads, comfortable clothes, and athletic shoes before playing any sports activity which will help to reduce the chances of injury
- Make sure that you follow warm up and cool down exercises before and after sports activity. Exercises will help to stretch the muscles, increase flexibility, and reduce soft tissue injuries
- Avoid exercising immediately after eating a large meal
- Maintain a healthy diet which will nourish the muscles
- Avoid playing when you are injured or tired. Take a break for some time after playing
- Learn all the rules of the game you are participating in
- Ensure that you are physically fit to play the sport
Some of the common sports injuries include:
Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are common while participating in sports such as running, football, rugby and dance. Treatment for these conditions may include orthoses (insoles), braces, physiotherapy, injections or surgery. Common sports injuries include sprains, fractures, cartilage injuries and Achilles tendinopathy.
Knee Injuries
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is major stabilising ligament in the knee which may tear with over use of knee for playing sports. The ACL has a poor ability to heal and may cause instability. Other common sports injuries in knee are cartilage damage and meniscal tears. Knee injuries may require surgical intervention and can usually be performed using a keyhole technique. Mr Gordon will recommend you for physiotherapy to strengthen your muscles, improve flexibilty and movements of your joints.
Click on the topics below to find out more from the orthopaedic connection website of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.