Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine

The branch of sports medicine deals with the treatment and prevention of illness and injuries related to sports and exercises. It also promotes physical fitness.

What are Sports Injuries?

Sports injuries occur during exercise or while participating in sporting activities due to excessive use of joints. Sports injuries may affect your bones, muscles, and ligaments due to fractures, sprains, and dislocations. Playing a sport or exercising for a longer duration can cause overexertion and increase the risk of sports injury.

What Are the Common Types of Sports Injuries?

The most common types of sports injuries are:

• Muscle sprains and strains (Runner’s knee, jumper’s knee, tennis elbow)
• Contusion (bruises)
• Knee and shoulder injuries
• Fractures
• Achilles tendon Injuries
• Joint Dislocation
• Tendonitis
• Cartilage injuries

What Are the Symptoms of Sports Injuries?

The symptoms of sports injury vary according to the type of injury. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Pain and severe swelling
• Inability to move joints
• Pain during movement
• Weakness
• Inability to bear weight
• Popping or crunching sounds while using joints
• Visible bumps and deformities of joints

In severe cases, you can also experience fever, difficulty breathing, and dizziness due to complicated sports injuries.

Are you at Risk for Sports Injuries?

You are at risk of sports injuries if you:

• Are physically active
• Play sports for long hours
• Do not warm up enough before exercise or sports
• Are overweight
• Have an existing sprain or injury while playing 

What Are the Complications of Sports Injuries?

If left untreated, injuries associated with sports and exercise can limit the mobility of joints. It can also cause temporary or permanent deformities in the bones. 

When Do You Need to See a Doctor?

If you have a severe injury or pain due to an injury, you need to immediately seek medical help. To maximise your performance with the right nutrition and exercises and prevent sports injuries,Our sports medicine comprises a multidisciplinary team of certified athletic trainers, physicians, physical therapists, and nutritionists providing a full range of care in exercise, nutrition, and injuries due to sports activities. 

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals,

Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment

How Are Sports Injuries Diagnosed?

Many sports injuries can cause immediate discomfort and pain. Some may cause long-term damage that is identified during a routine examination. Your doctor is likely to perform the following tests for the appropriate diagnosis.

• Physical examination of the injured body part or joint
• Medical history 
• Imaging tests: X-ray, MRIs, CT scan, and ultrasound

How to Prevent Sports Injuries?

To prevent sports injury and illnesses, take the following steps:

• Always warm-up before any exercise or sports activity.
• Use proper equipment such as shoes and gear for desired athletic protection.
• Do not overdo any sporting activity with high intensity.
• Remember to cool down after the activity.
• Let your body recover in case of pain or injury before getting back to the same intensity.
• Do not rest for too long, and use heat and cold therapy to relax your tight muscles.

How can Sports Medicine Treat Sports Injuries?

The most commonly used method for treating sports injuries is the RICE method. It stands for:

• R: Rest
• I: Ice
• C: Compression
• E: Elevation

It is helpful for treating mild sports injuries when used within the first 24 to 36 hours after injury. Pain relief medications such as NSAIDs are used to reduce pain and swelling. Serious sports injuries or complicated illnesses can require holistic orthopaedic care, including surgery and physical therapy. For example, you may require knee replacement surgery to restore your knee function. Giving adequate rest to your muscles and joints is important for healing and recovery.

Rehabilitation programs for sports injuries at Apollo hospitals, are designed to help you return to the highest level of function and mobility using a wide range of activities. Your doctor can guide you in maintaining an adequate balance between rest and rehabilitation. 

Conclusion

Sports medicine has a wide range of applications in healing sports injuries and preventing further injuries in the future. It can help everyone, from athletes to older people, avoid chronic injuries. Seek medical help if you experience severe symptoms of pain and swelling after a sporting activity.