Sports injuries refer to injuries that happen while playing sports or exercising. They include sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, joint injuries and swollen muscles, and can either be acute or chronic in nature. Sports injuries should not be taken lightly as they can cause severe pain and can greatly impact your daily routine.

How to avoid sports injuries

Following are some steps you can take to prevent sports injuries:

1. Start and end right:
   Before starting any activity, make sure you stretch and warm up. Always end your workout with a cool down regime.
2. Wear the right gear:
   The right apparel and protective gear can go a long way in keeping you safe.
3. Know your body’s limits:
   Pushing your body unreasonably may lead to injuries.
4. Use the right techniques:
   Small things such as bending your knees to only a certain extent can protect you from getting injured. Consult a coach or trainer if you need assistance.
5. Start slow and finish big:
   If your body is not used to exercising or playing a certain sport, start slowly and work your way up gradually.

First aid for sports injuries

The first rule of treating a sports injury is to immediately stop playing or exercising to prevent aggravating your injury.

Use the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) method to treat a sports injury. Resting the injured area, icing it frequently, applying pressure to it and keeping it elevated are easy steps to reduce pain and swelling, and quicken the healing process.

Treatment for sports injuries

While first aid and the RICE method do help sports injuries, you should consult a doctor if the pain and swelling do not subside and if you notice tenderness and numbness.

Arthroscopy, conducted by speciality hospitals such as Apollo Spectra, has taken the treatment of sports injuries to a whole new level. In an arthroscopy, a small fiber-optic camera is inserted into the joint through an incision in the area. This helps the surgeon view the extent of damage using a special liquid, increasing the effectiveness of the surgery.

Apollo Spectra has a highly experienced team of medical professionals who, using advanced technologies and world-class infrastructure, provide various treatment options for sports injuries, including a wide range of orthopaedic and spine surgeries. Apollo Spectra is also an established name in the field of physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation, working to treat your sports injury in the most effective way.