Exercises and physiotherapy can help rehabilitate minor sports injuries, but severe sports injuries require a visit to the doctor.

Physical activities and sports are necessary for good health. Sports injuries can cause damage, and lead to both acute and chronic pain. Sports injuries are more common in people who are out of shape, exercise without warming up and cooling down, and don’t wear the right safety gear. Tackles or collisions may occur while jumping, running, pivoting, changing directions quickly, or taking part in contact sports. 

Sports injury types:

Different sports injuries result in various symptoms and effects. The most common types of sports injuries consist of: 

·         Sprains: They are caused by overstretching or tearing of the ligaments. Ligaments are strands of connective tissue that hold two bones together at a joint. 

·         Strains: It occurs when muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn. Tendons, which connect bone to muscle, are substantial, fibrous strands of tissue. Sprains and strains are frequently confused. 

·         Muscle swelling: It is a typical response to an injury. Muscles that are swollen may also hurt and feel weaker.

·       Fractures: 

·         Dislocations: Bones in your body might dislocate/ yanked out of its socket. Swelling and weakening may result from this, which can be uncomfortable. 

·         Knee injuries: Any injury that restricts the knee joint’s motion may qualify as a sports injury. It may be anything from an overstretch to a tear in the knee’s ligaments, menisci or muscles.

·         Rotator cuff injury: The rotator cuff is made up of four separate muscles. Your shoulder may move in any direction thanks to the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff can become weak if one of these muscles’ tears.

·         Achilles tendon rupture: At the rear of your ankle, the Achilles tendon is a strong, thin tendon. This tendon may rupture or break when playing sports. When it does, you could feel sharp, excruciating pain and have trouble walking.

It is advised that you speak with a qualified pain management specialist to go through your treatment choices if you have any of the above injuries or symptoms. To get timely treatment, it’s crucial to schedule a consultation with a pain management specialist for evaluation and diagnosis.

Sports-related injuries are common, and effective pain management and treatment are crucial for athletes to recover and get back to their activities.

Here’s a basic guide to sports pain management, injuries, and treatment:

·         R.I.C.E. method: For acute injuries like sprains, strains, or contusions, the R.I.C.E. the method can help with pain management and initial treatment. R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest the injured area, apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time, use compression bandages to reduce swelling, and elevate the injured limb above heart level when possible.

·         Over-the-counter pain relievers: can help manage pain, reduce inflammation, and relieve swelling. Follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if you need stronger pain medications.

·         Physical therapy: For more severe injuries or as part of the recovery process, physical therapy can be beneficial. A qualified physical therapist can guide you through exercises, stretches, and rehabilitation techniques to strengthen the injured area, improve mobility, and reduce pain.

·         Injury-specific treatments:

·         Sprains and strains: Depending on the severity, sprains and strains may require immobilization with braces, casts, or splints. Physical therapy can aid in restoring function and flexibility. Injections such as steroids or PRP may also be considered.

·         Fractures: Broken bones may require casting, splinting, or even surgery in some cases. Follow your healthcare professional’s guidance for immobilization, weight-bearing restrictions, and rehabilitation.

·         Tendinitis: Rest, ice, and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain are the initial steps for managing tendinitis. Physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises can help alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence. Injections such as steroids or PRP may also be considered.

·         Injury prevention: Proper warm-up and cool-down exercises, stretching routines, wearing appropriate protective gear, maintaining good technique, and gradually increasing training intensity can help reduce the risk of sports-related injuries.

·         Professional medical advice: If you experience severe pain, persistent symptoms, or suspect a serious injury, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a pain specialist or sports medicine physician. They can provide an accurate diagnosis, recommend appropriate treatment, and create a tailored rehabilitation plan.

Final words from Dr. Amod Manocha

Sports and exercise are crucial for maintaining good health, yet they frequently result in accidents. Many minor sports injuries that are anticipated can be managed at home with rest and other techniques.

If swelling, discomfort, and bruising don’t go away or if there is a serious injury, you need to contact a doctor. Additionally, sports injuries happen frequently, despite your best efforts. Dr. Amod Manocha, the best pain management specialist in Delhi and Gurgaon, offers a one-stop solution with top-notch technology, ensuring the best care and a quick recovery.