Injuries Are An Agonizing Part Of The Game
Sports injuries are an unfortunate reality for athletes of all levels, from weekend warriors to seasoned professionals. Some injuries, like those suffered by professional athletes on the biggest stages, come with added pressure to recover and return to the field as quickly as possible. Sports injuries can be painful, especially in contact sports like soccer, football, and basketball. There is a range of treatments available for athletes, from the simple to the more complex. Choosing the right protocol for the injury limits pain, restores mobility, and brings athletes back into action.
Your common injury culprits
Several injuries commonly plague athletes. Sprains, which involve ligament tears or overstretching, often occur in ankles and knees. Strains, affecting muscles or tendons, are also prevalent, particularly in the hamstrings and groin. Perhaps the most concerning are tears of critical ligaments like the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow, or Achilles. Fractures, or broken bones, can result from traumatic impacts, while dislocations occur when bones are forced out of their normal alignment. Overuse injuries, such as tendinitis and bursitis, develop gradually due to repetitive stress on specific body parts. Recognizing the specific type of injury is the first step toward effective treatment.
What to do when you’re injured
Most injuries happen on the field of play after a collision, fall, or awkward twist of a limb or joint. The injury will cause intense pain followed by some swelling and discomfort. For certain joints, athletes may be unable to apply force, lift the joint, or move without assistance. Seek medical help in the immediate area, using first aid to secure the damaged area. Next, visit a doctor or emergency room immediately. The doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment up to and including surgery. Initial treatment is always non-surgical. The doctor will recommend a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to speed up healing. Pain medication, both oral and topical, can help if there is no significant damage, which can be confirmed with imaging tests. Injectable medication can last longer and provide the patient relief during recovery.
From physical therapy to advanced options
Various treatment options are available depending on the severity and nature of the injury. Yet, in almost all cases, physical therapy plays a vital role in rehabilitation. The therapist provides a series of movements to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation are often employed. In recent years, advanced treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell injections have emerged as potential options for accelerating healing and tissue regeneration, although more research is still needed in these areas.
Is it time for surgery?
Sometimes, there is no choice but to consider surgery to address athletic injuries. For more severe injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, medical interventions like casting, splinting, or even surgery may be necessary. Surgery is also helpful if there is a complete tear or fracture or if initial treatment fails to provide long-term relief. Some surgeons use minimally invasive surgery (MIS), where small incisions are made to access the damaged area and perform surgery. A small scope provides the surgeon with a viewpoint of the injury, while smaller tools help with the procedure. MIS promises an outpatient experience, less pain and bleeding, less post-operative pain, and faster recovery.
It’s time to recover
Treatment options, including surgery, are not a magic pill. Returning to sports after an injury requires a comprehensive and gradual approach, often lasting several weeks or months. A well-structured rehabilitation program, guided by a healthcare professional, is essential for rebuilding strength, endurance, and proprioception, known as body awareness. This program should also address any underlying biomechanical issues that may have contributed to the injury. Adequate nutrition, hydration, and sleep are also crucial for tissue repair and overall recovery. Rushing back too quickly can increase the risk of re-injury, so be patient and stick to the rehabilitation plan, which can take months.
The right moves to get back in the game
Sports injuries can be a nuisance, leaving the patient sidelined for weeks or more severe, lasting months in recovery. The goal is to get the appropriate treatment right away. Always start with a doctor visit and imaging to rule out ligament tears or fractures. Then, start with RICE, pain medication, and physical therapy. If these fail, move on to advanced options or surgery. Get a tailored plan that can lead to a faster recovery and return to sports.
