Type of sports injuries

Sports injuries can generally be classified as either acute or chronic.

Acute injuries occur suddenly during sporting activity. Acute injury symptoms include:

Sudden pain
Swelling
Visible dislocation or break
Inability to bear weight
Range of motion restriction
Ankle sprains
Muscle strains
Fractures
Dislocations

Chronic injuries usually result from overusing a certain area of the body overtime, during sporting activities. Chronic injury symptoms include:

Reduced strength
Reduced speed
Muscle pain
Swelling
Dull ache when resting
Runner's knee
Rotator cuff injuries
Tendon injuries
Tennis elbow
Plantar fasciitis

The RICE principle

The acronym RICE is a good way of remembering how to treat sports injury immediately and for the next 48 hours, by limiting swelling and beginning the healing process. RICE means Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

Rest – Rest will help prevent any further injury and allow the healing process to take place.

Ice – Apply ice immediately after a sports injury, and periodically for the first 48 hours after the injury. Don't use heat during this period as it encourages swelling and inflammation.

Compression – Apply compression with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling.

Elevation – Elevating the injured area will also reduce swelling.

If pain or injury is severe or gets worse speak with a doctor immediately.

Did you know?

There is never a good reason to “work through” the pain when engaged in sporting activities or exercise.

Sprains and strains

Stretches or tears to ligaments (the band of connective tissue that joins bones) are called sprains, areas most at risk of sprains include ankles, knees and wrists. Acute ankle sprains are the most common athletic injury.

Tears to muscles or tendons are called strains, these generally occur as a result of overstretching or over contraction. Groin and hamstring strains are common sports injuries.

Symptoms of sprain:

Tenderness
Pain
Bruising
Swelling
Possible discoloration of injured area

Symptoms of strain:

Pain
Muscle spasm
Decrease in strength

Treating sprains and strains:

Use RICE and anti-inflammatory medications, where significant swelling or pain is experienced seek medical attention. In some cases, it may be necessary to have an X-ray to rule out a fracture.

Shin splints

A shin splint is pain in the shin while engaging in sporting activities. Shin splints are very common among people who have just started running or who are returning to running after an absence. They are caused by doing too much, too quickly, incorrect footwear, unsuitable running surface or poor running form.

Symptoms of shin splints:

Persistent pain when running
Pain occurring along the shin bone
Dull or throbbing pain

Treating shin splints:

Use RICE and anti-inflammatory medications. Decrease running distance and avoid hills, cross train with cycling or swimming to reduce running impact.

Dislocation and fracture

A dislocation is when a bone is pushed out of place, often as the result of a fall or direct blow. Dislocations most commonly occur in the elbow or shoulder, and are often seen in football, rugby and skiing injuries.

Symptoms of dislocation:

Pain
Deformity
Swelling
Loss of motion

Treating dislocation:

Immediate medical attention should be sought at the nearest emergency facility, where the joint can be manipulated back into position. The joint will be immobilised for several weeks. Surgery may be required where dislocation is severe.

A fracture occurs when a bone is broken, generally as a result of excessive force. A fracture may be closed (skin intact) or compound (skin torn), and partial or complete.

Symptoms of fracture:

Pain
Swelling
Inability to use body part

Treating fractures:

Medical attention must be sought immediately. It may be necessary to undergo X-rays, MRI or CT scans to confirm the severity of a fracture.

Did you know?

Swelling is a normal response to sporting injuries, however, excessive swelling can reduce range of motion and hinder the healing process.

Ligament injuries

A ligament is connective tissue which connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), are most commonly injured during sporting activities.

The ACL connects the femur to the shin bone and prevents the knee joint from rotating abnormally. Generally, ACL tears are non-contact injuries, often occurring due to sudden changes in direction or hyperextension of the knee.

The MCL connects the femur to the tibia along the inner part of the knee, stabilising the knee joint and stopping it from bending sideways. Injuries to the MCL commonly occur as a result of a strong force hitting the outside of the knee.

The PCL connects the femur to the tibia along the back of the knee, it is stronger than the ACL and less prone to injury.

Symptoms of ligament injury:

Pain
Knee pain
Difficulty walking
Swelling
Stiffness

Treating ligament injury:

Each case of ligament injury is unique and treatment will depend on the position and severity of the tear.

Seek medical attention immediately if an ACL injury is suspected. A completely torn ACL will usually require surgery.

Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is generally caused by overuse of the wrist extensors, resulting in pain at the elbow, affecting the dominant or non-dominant arm, or both. Tennis elbow is not caused exclusively by playing tennis, it can also result from golf, bowling or any sport where the elbow is used for repetitive tasks.

Symptoms of tennis elbow:

Lateral elbow pain
Increased pain when squeezing
Increased pain when lifting

Treating tennis elbow:

Use RICE and anti-inflammatory medications. If the pain persists or increases, seek medical attention. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair damaged tendon.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation or tearing of the plantar fascia, the tissue that stretches along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel and toes. The condition is often caused as a result of inadequate footwear, tight calf muscles and poor training technique.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis:

Pain in the base of the foot
Pain increases after periods of standing or rising from sitting
Pain is often acute in the mornings
Pain is worse after exercise

Treating plantar fasciitis:

Use RICE and anti-inflammatory medications, and regularly stretch the calf muscles. If the pain persists or increases, seek medical attention. In some cases, a cortisone injection may be necessary.

Did you know?

Many sports injuries can be prevented by practising safe exercise habits.

Recovery days reduce injury rates by giving muscles and connective tissues an opportunity to repair between training sessions.

Did you know?

An adequate warm up increases blood flow to the muscles and can prevent sports injury.