SPORTS INJURY SURGERY
Sports injuries occur largely due to overuse, repetitive movements from favoured physical activities, injury, or when a specific part of the joint undergoes strain by applying too high forces to bear. Widespread sports injuries include muscle strains, bruises and ligament sprains.
Types of sports injuries include:
- Sprains of the ankle occur when the joint moves out of its usual position forcing a single or few ligaments to tear. This type of injury may be due to a sudden application of force, such as a twist when jumping.
- Bruising presents as skin discolouration that occurs from a superficial skin or deep tissue injury. Blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface leak blood which pools, causing the skin to change colour (blue, black, purple, brown or yellow).
- Abrasions or grazes are when the skin comes into contact with a hard, rough or sharp surface, causing minor bleeding.
- Hamstring injury (strain) occurs when your hamstring muscles become overburdened due to excessive movements like stretching or contraction of the muscles. Hamstring injuries cause pain, inflammation and bruising.
- Knee injuries include sprains, tears of ligaments or menisci, bursitis, dislocations and fractures. The knee is a complicated joint that involves plenty of movement and is susceptible to injury. Knee injuries occur for a number of reasons, including direct impact or pressure applied to the knee and bending or twisting the joint suddenly.
- Fractures (stress) cause fine bone cracks that arise from repetitive strain when jumping or running long-distance races.
Call an ambulance in the event the injury results in:
- Unconsciousness
- A spinal injury
- Damage to the neck
- Fractures
- Facial or head trauma
- Injury to the eye
- Damage in the abdominal region
As an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Gupta treats serious sports injuries that result in broken bones/fractures or torn ligaments. Surgical treatment for injuries such as these is vital to ensure adequate healing to maintain function of the affected joint.
FAQ
You are more likely to develop a sports-related injury when you have not remained active over time or if you have not warmed up before exercising.
Common sports-related injuries include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Injuries affecting the knee
- Swelling in the muscles
- Ruptured Achilles tendon
- Rotator cuff tears
- Dislocations and fractures
Signs of a severe sports injury include:
- Joint pain and swelling
- A noticeable lump in the region
- Joint/bone deformity
- The joint is unable to bear weight
- Joint instability