Sports injuries are an inevitable reality for athletes as well as non-athletes. Whether you’re a professional football player or a weekend warrior, the risk of getting injured while playing your favourite sport is always present. Sports injuries can be painful and debilitating, from sprained ankles to torn ligaments, often keeping you on the sidelines when you only want to be in the game.
Ankle sprain in sports is extremely common and typically occurs when the foot twists or turns beyond its normal range of motion. This unnatural movement stretches the ligaments, causing them to tear or overextend.
The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is often the initial approach for treatment, reducing swelling and promoting healing. Physical therapy is crucial in restoring strength and stability to the injured ankle.
Sports knee injuries encompass a broad spectrum, including ligament tears (such as ACL or PCL tears), meniscal injuries, and patellar dislocations. The mechanism of injury varies, with factors like sudden stops, twists, or direct blows contributing.
Sports players often grapple with finger injuries for example, sports like Basketball, etc. Hyperextension or forceful impacts can lead to dislocations, fractures, or sprains. Treatment varies based on the severity, ranging from splinting and taping for mild injuries to surgical intervention for complex cases. Rehabilitation focuses on regaining range of motion and strength in the affected fingers.
Shoulder injuries are widespread in sports, including volleyball, baseball, and swimming. The most common shoulder injuries are rotator cuff tears, sprains, and dislocations. Symptoms may include discomfort, stiffness, joint weakness, and trouble elevating your arm. If the injury is serious, treatment options may include rest, rehabilitation, and surgery.
A groin pull is often referred to as a groin strain. The groin muscles connect the upper inner thigh to the inner thigh above the knee. Groin muscles connect the legs and are frequently injured by fast side-to-side motions and/or a lack of flexibility. The injured athlete may experience trouble with lateral movements, getting in and out of autos, and groin or inner thigh soreness or bruises.
Rest and ice for 15 to 20 minutes every 72 hours are part of the groin pull treatment. Following the first three days, the athlete could employ heat for 15 to 20 minutes, followed by gentle, correct groin stretching and range of motion activities, such as making snow angels on the floor.
Achilles tendon injuries range from strains to complete ruptures and often result from overuse, sudden accelerations, or direct trauma. The options for treatment depend on the severity and may include rest, immobilization, physical therapy, or surgical repair. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength and flexibility to the tendon to facilitate a swift and lasting recovery.
The hamstring muscle is placed behind the thigh. Unfortunately, the hamstring muscles can become tight and prone to strain, often called a pulled muscle. A hamstring tear/strain can be caused by poor stretching practices or a lack of stretching. Bruising in the back of the thigh or knee is common in athletes with hamstring tears.
Rest and icing are standard first-aid treatments for a pulled hamstring, followed by gradual stretching and strengthening to prevent further injury. If the pain lasts longer than two weeks, the athlete could consider physical therapy with ultrasound or other ways to stimulate muscle repair. Treatment plans are individualized, from conservative measures like bracing and physiotherapy to arthroscopic surgery for more complex cases.
Shin splints bring about pain in the lower leg bone, known as the tibia. Shin splints are especially common among runners or athletes who participate in activities requiring much running, such as soccer. Athletes usually acquire shin splints early in the season because they increase their activities or distance too rapidly.
Rest, ice, and gradually increasing running activities are the best ways to avoid and/or treat shin splints. Buying shoes with strong arch support can help you recover and reduce shin pain.
Tennis and golfer’s elbows are common in athletes who engage in many gripping exercises. Overuse sports injuries can occur, commonly known as medial or lateral epicondylitis. Because of the repetitive activity, the forearm tendons can become inflamed, making any wrist or hand motion exceedingly uncomfortable.
Athletes frequently complain about a lack of grip strength. Rest and cooling the inflamed area are two early therapy options for tennis or golf elbow. An anti-inflammatory medication or even a brace may be recommended to relieve pressure and avoid further elbow injuries.
Most sports injuries are to the lower body, notably to the knees. Patellofemoral syndrome is one of the most prevalent knee injuries. A slip or fall onto the knees, swelling of the knee joint, or a muscular imbalance can all lead to this diagnosis. The kneecap, also known as patella, should travel in the groove at the end of the femur or thigh bone.
Swelling can result from a fall onto the knee, resulting in a muscular imbalance of the two primary muscles that aid in appropriately tracking the kneecap in the groove. This muscular imbalance can cause additional oedema, exacerbating the tracking issue. Knee injury pain and swelling can be relieved with rest and ice.
Trauma Services: Navigating the Path to Recovery
Orthopaedic trauma, often resulting from accidents or falls, demands prompt and specialized care. Treatment includes fracture stabilization, soft tissue management, and a tailored rehabilitation plan. The goal is to facilitate a smooth recovery journey for patients navigating the challenges of post-traumatic orthopaedic injuries.
Mako-Trained Precision: Revolutionizing Lower Limb Reconstruction
Robotic-Arm Assisted Makoplasty has revolutionized lower limb reconstruction, especially in procedures like arthroplasty. Mako-trained surgeons utilize advanced robotic technology to enhance precision during surgery. This technology allows for a more personalized approach, optimizing implant placement and improving the patient’s overall recovery experience.
Arthroscopic Surgery: Minimally Invasive Excellence
Arthroscopic surgery involves using a small camera and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat various joint conditions. Commonly performed on the knee, shoulder, and hip, this minimally invasive approach reduces surgical trauma, leading to faster recovery times and less postoperative discomfort.
Poly-Trauma Injuries: Comprehensive Care in Critical Times
Poly-trauma injuries involve multiple body systems and are often the result of high-impact accidents or sports-related incidents. Treatment requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, simultaneously addressing injuries to bones, joints, and soft tissues. Stabilization, surgical intervention, and rehabilitation form integral parts of the management strategy.
Hip Injuries and Pelvic Reconstruction: Precision in Motion
Hip injuries can stem from overuse, trauma, or degenerative conditions. Fractures, dislocations, and labral tears are common presentations. Treatment options range from conservative measures like rest and physical therapy to surgical interventions, including pelvic reconstruction. The goal is to restore normal biomechanics and alleviate pain, allowing for a return to regular activities.
In the dynamic world of sports, injuries are an inevitable part of the game. Dr. Omar Sabri’s expertise in orthopaedic care and his Mako-trained precision place him at the forefront of addressing the diverse spectrum of sports injuries.
Dr. Sabri’s commitment to personalised, patient-centric care shines through from common issues like ankle sprains to complex cases involving hip reconstruction.
