Most Common Types Of Sports Injuries

Sport is an important part of many people's lives. Some people play sports professionally, while others do so to stay active and healthy. While the goal of participating in sports is to stay physically fit, it is not uncommon for injuries to occur. Dr. Bharani Kumar Dayanandam, senior orthopaedic surgeon and trauma consultant at Chennai Orthopaedics, discusses the most common types of sports injuries and how to identify them.

Sports injuries are divided into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute injuries occur suddenly, whereas chronic injuries occur as a result of repeated use of a specific muscle group or joint. Chronic injuries typically develop over time.

Acute injuries most commonly include bone fractures, sprains, muscle strains, joint dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and so on. Such injuries are frequently the result of accidents, abrupt changes in direction, collisions, and so on. Acute injuries can happen in any sport and always necessitate immediate medical attention. "The pain caused by acute injuries always develops suddenly and results in an immediate inability to continue playing. As a result, acute injuries are more likely to be quickly noticed and treated," explains Dr. Bharani Kumar. Such injuries are typically characterized by sudden pain, swelling in the affected area, inability to move the joint normally or use the part as intended, and so on.

Tennis elbow, rotator cuff impingements, and instability, runner's knee, meniscal tears, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, etc are some examples of chronic sports injuries that are very common among professional athletes. Such injuries are more common in people who engage in repetitive activities such as swimming, cycling, running, and so on. Chronic injuries are frequently overlooked until the symptoms become severe and incapacitating. "Though chronic injuries are far more common than acute injuries among professional players they are frequently ignored because initially, the symptoms might not be very apparent," says Dr. Bharani Kumar. Chronic sports injuries cause dull aches while sleeping or resting, pain in the affected area while performing specific movements, and swelling among other symptoms.

Any type of sports injury, acute or chronic, must be attended to by a professional. "It is always better to seek professional advice about a sports injury so that the problem can be resolved without jeopardizing one's ability to continue playing the sport in the long run," Dr. Bharani Kumar advises. Sports injuries are treated differently depending on their location, type, and whether they are acute or chronic.

R.I.C.E. - Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation - can be used to treat most acute injuries. If the symptoms do not go away after a week, medication, physical therapy, or even surgery may be required. Chronic injuries, if detected early on, can also be treated with R.I.C.E. However, chronic injuries are typically diagnosed late and necessitate medical intervention in the form of surgery or medications.

According to Dr. Bharani Kumar, whether you are a professional athlete, a sports enthusiast, or a casual player, injuries can be devastating to your overall health. Understanding the difference between acute and chronic injuries can help you avoid them and stay strong.

     Authored by Dr Bharani Kumar Dayanandam, MBBS, Orthopaedic Surgeon