Sports Injuries: Types,
Treatments, and Prevention

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Sports injuries are a common challenge for athletes of all levels, ranging from minor sprains to severe ones that require surgery to treat. Whether caused by overuse, poor technique, or accidents, these injuries can greatly impact one’s athletic performance and quality of life.

In this article, we discuss common types of sports injuries, how they are treated, as well as tips on preventing them.

Types of Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can be broadly categorised into two main types, acute and chronic.

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries occur suddenly due to a single traumatic event. Common types of acute injuries include:

Strains: These are injuries to muscles or tendons caused by overstretching or tearing. Strains are often characterised by pain, swelling, and bruising.
Sprains: Sprains are injuries to ligaments, which are tough bands of tissue that connect bones. They are typically caused by twisting or wrenching a joint.
Fractures: A fracture is a break in a bone. Fractures can be simple (a clean break) or complex (involving multiple fragments).
Dislocations: A dislocation occurs when a joint is forced out of its normal position. This can cause significant pain and swelling.
Concussions: Concussions are injuries to the brain caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. They can result in a variety of symptoms, including headache, dizziness and confusion.

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries develop gradually over time due to repetitive stress or overuse. Common chronic injuries include:

Tendinitis: Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon. It is often caused by repetitive motion or overuse.
Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that cushions joints. It can be caused by overuse, trauma, or infection.
Stress Fractures: Stress fractures are tiny cracks in bones caused by repetitive stress. They are common in athletes who participate in high-impact sports.

Treatment of Sports Injuries

The treatment of sports injuries depends on the severity of the injury and the underlying cause.

RICE Method

As a first-aid treatment, particularly for minor injuries, the RICE method may be performed. This acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
- Rest: Support the area and avoid activities that aggravate the injury, generally for 2-3 days.
- Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for about 15-20 minutes on the first 2-3 days to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Use a bandage to compress the area and control swelling. Ensure that the bandage fits snugly while still allowing blood to circulate.
- Elevation: Raise the injured area above the heart to reduce swelling. You may use a pillow to elevate the affected area while in recovery.
Medical Interventions

If an injury is serious or does not improve with first aid, please seek medical attention. Signs that indicate the need for medical attention include severe pain, inability to bear weight, visible deformity, numbness or tingling, and excessive bleeding.

Medical interventions for sports injuries include non-surgical and surgical means:
- Immobilisation: Slings, braces, casts, and splints, may be used to limit movements in the injured area. This helps reduce pain and swelling and speed up the healing process.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medications may be used to manage pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: Some cases of sports injuries require surgical treatments to realign fractured bones and repair damaged connective tissues.
Rehabilitation

In addition to first-aid measures and/or medical intervention, rehabilitation is crucial to safely return to normal activities. It involves a gradual progression of exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and function.
- Progressive Exercise: Rehabilitation programmes typically start with low-impact exercises and gradually increase in intensity as the injury heals.
- Strengthening and Flexibility Training: Exercises that target the muscles and joints surrounding the injured area can help to improve strength and flexibility.

Prevention of Sports Injuries

While sports injuries are common, you can lower your risk by following these tips:

Warm-up and Cool-down: Before playing sports, warm up to increase blood flow and flexibility to prepare your muscles and joints for activity. After your workout, cool down with gentle, sustained stretches to lower the risk of soreness and injury.
Correct Technique: Mastering the proper techniques for your sport is crucial for preventing injuries. Working with qualified trainers can help you learn correct form and posture, reducing your risk of injuries.
Protective Equipment: Wearing appropriate protective gear, like helmets, pads, and braces, can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries. Make sure your equipment fits properly, is in good condition, and is regularly maintained.
Rest and Recovery: Listen to your body. If you experience any pain or discomfort during or after exercise, take a break or rest. Overtraining can lead to fatigue, decreased performance, and an increased risk of injuries.
Diet and Hydration: Eat a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients and stay hydrated before, during, and after physical activity. This will help prevent dehydration, fatigue, and injuries.

Sports injuries can happen to anyone. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort after an athletic activity, do not delay treatment as it could lead to more serious issues.

Arete Orthopaedic Centre is a sports orthopaedic clinic that offers comprehensive musculoskeletal care. Our experienced orthopaedic specialist provides accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and personalised rehabilitation plans to help you recover as quickly as possible.

Dr Wang Lushun

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)

With over 18 years of experience in orthopaedic surgery, including being the former Head of the Hip and Knee Division at Ng Teng Fong Hospital, Dr Wang Lushun is skilled in the treatment of sports injuries. His patients include current and former national athletes and sporting professionals. Dr Wang is committed to providing individualised and high-quality care to help his patients regain an active and independent lifestyle.