Dr. Biplab Dolui

MS (Orthopaedics), AFTS Fellow (Paris), Consultant Arthroscopist, Joint Replacement & Trauma Surgeon

Treating the most common
Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are injuries that occur when engaging in sports or exercise. Sports injuries can occur due to overtraining, lack of conditioning, and improper form or technique. Failing to warm up increases the risk of sports injuries. Bruises, strains, sprains, tears, and broken bones can result from sports injuries. Soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and bursae may be affected. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is another potential type of sports injury.



Common Sports Injuries

1) Pulled Muscle

Muscle strain is another name for a pulled muscle. It occurs when a muscle is overstretched and tears. Symptoms of a pulled muscle may include pain, swelling, weakness, and difficulty or inability to use the muscle. Muscles in the quadriceps, the calves, hamstrings, groin, low back, and shoulder are the most common sites for pulled muscles. Minor muscle strains resolve with RICE -- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help manage pain and swelling as well. More serious muscle strains require evaluation and treatment by a doctor.

Pulled Muscle

2) Torn ACL

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) helps hold the knee joint together and provides stability. A torn ACL is a sports injury that may occur when landing the wrong way, changing direction or stopping quickly, or from a direct blow to the knee. People who suffer a torn ACL may hear a pop and then feel their knee no longer functions. Pain, swelling, and loss of range of motion are symptoms of a torn ACL. It may be difficult to walk. A torn ACL needs to be reconstructed surgically, usually using a graft from another ligament in the patient's own body. Significant rehabilitation is necessary to restore the strength and function of the knee joint after surgery. Depending on the age, health status, and desired activity level of the patient, some may not elect to have surgery. In that case, braces and physical therapy will not cure the condition, but may provide some relief.

Torn ACL

3) Torn MCL

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) connects the upper leg bone (femur) to the larger bone of the lower leg (tibia). It is located on the inner side of the knee. The MCL is typically injured when the knee joint is pushed sideways when making a wrong move or by receiving a direct blow to the knee. A torn MCL results in pain, swelling, and instability of the joint. The condition is often treated with ice, bracing, and physical therapy. If other structures in the knee are injured or if the torn MCL is severe, surgery may be recommended.

Torn MCL

4) Shin Splints

Shin splints are throbbing, aching, or stabbing pain on the insides of the lower leg. Shin splints are a repetitive use injury that may occur in runners or those who are beginning to exercise. Pain occurs when muscles and tendons around the tibia (the larger of the two lower leg bones) become inflamed. Stretching, resting, and applying ice can help relieve shin splints. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and swelling. Bandaging the area may help prevent swelling. Flat feet increase the risk of shin splints. Orthotics and proper athletic shoes may offer support and decrease the risk of shin splints.

Shin Splints

5) Stress Fracture

A stress fracture is an overuse injury that occurs when muscles are no longer able to absorb the impact from physical activity, and a bone absorbs the pressure, resulting in a break. Stress fractures can occur when increasing activity, especially too quickly. The majority of stress fractures occur in the lower legs and feet. Women are more prone to stress fractures than men. Stress fractures cause pain with activity. Rest is prescribed to allow a stress fracture to heal. Sometimes a special shoe or a brace helps decrease stress on the bone, which facilitates healing.

Stress Fracture

6) Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects the heel to the front of the foot, supporting the arch. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of this ligament. It causes heel pain often felt the first thing in the morning after getting out of bed or after being active. Stress and strain on the feet increases the risk of plantar fasciitis. Obesity, tight calf muscles, repetitive use, high arches, and new athletic activities are all risk factors for this condition. Plantar fasciitis is treated with rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and special stretching exercises. Cushioning insoles may provide relief. Wearing splints at night may help decrease pain. More severe cases of plantar fasciitis may be treated with cortisone injections, physical therapy, and surgery.

Plantar Fasciitis

7) Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments that support the joint become overstretched. Ankle sprains may occur when playing sports or doing everyday activities. Stepping wrong on an uneven surface or stepping in a way that twists or rolls the foot may lead to an ankle sprain. Sprains and the pain they cause may range from mild to severe. RICE -- rest, ice, compression, and elevation -- are used to treat ankle sprains. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate pain and swelling. Severe sprains may require a brace or cast for several weeks to facilitate healing.

Sprained Ankle

8) Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that may be associated with playing racket sports. Plumbers, painters and those in similar professions are also at risk. Tennis elbow involves inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow caused by small tears. Tennis elbow causes pain and may be associated with a weak grip. Rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate tennis elbow symptoms. Wearing a special brace on the forearm may help decrease pressure on the sore area. Physical therapy may be helpful. Steroid injections can decrease inflammation. Surgery may be an option for tennis elbow when other treatments have failed.

Tennis Elbow

9) Low Back Pain

There are many causes of low back pain. Back pain may be due to overuse, such as playing one too many rounds of golf or lifting heavy weights. This kind of back strain usually resolves on its own without treatment. Rest and anti-inflammatory medications can provide relief. Using proper form when exercising and increasing the duration of workouts slowly can help protect the back. In some cases, it may be necessary to modify exercise technique or perform daily activities in a different way in order to reduce the risk of back injury. Other causes of back pain may be more serious and require medical or surgical intervention.

Low Back Pain

10) Hip Bursitis

The hip region contains two major bursae. The one located on the outside of the hip is called the trochanteric bursa. The other is called the ischial bursa which covers the ischial tuberosity, more commonly known as the sits bones. Inflammation of either bursae may lead to stiffness and pain around the hip joint not to be confused with the true joint pain of arthritis. Overuse from running, cycling, and similar activities can lead to hip bursitis. The condition causes hip pain that tends to be worse at night. Getting up from a seated position may cause pain. Treatment of hip bursitis consists of avoiding activities that produce symptoms and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling. Physical therapy and steroid injections may be warranted. Using a cane or other assistive device may help take the load off the inflamed joint.

Hip Bursitis

11) Concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain undergoes rapid acceleration inside the skull. A direct hit to the head or body may cause a concussion. People who engage in contact sports like football are at increased risk for concussions. The symptoms often include headache, loss of consciousness, memory loss, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, and more. A thorough neurological exam is necessary after a concussion to determine the extent of the injury. Healing from a concussion requires rest, both physical and mental, to allow the brain to recover. People who suffer concussions must receive a doctor's clearance before resuming sports, especially young people whose brains are more vulnerable.

Concussion

12) Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is inflammation that causes pain on the lower back of the leg just above the heel. The area may become painful, swollen, and stiff. The pain worsens after physical activity. The tendon may become thickened and, in some cases, bone spurs may develop in the area. Achilles tendonitis may be treated with rest, ice, stretching, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Strengthening exercises prescribed by a physical therapist may help. Special footwear and orthotics can help take the strain off the affected heel.

Achilles Tendonitis

13) Runner's Knee

Runner's knee – also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome – is a painful condition that occurs when tendons, joint lining (synovia), and/or other soft tissues of the knee become irritated. Overuse can cause runner's knee. So can a misaligned kneecap. In addition to pain, runner's knee may lead to popping and cracking. Switching to activities that do not stress knee joints may minimize problems. RICE – rest, ice, compression, and elevation – may help. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and orthotics may provide relief. Rarely, surgery may be an option for severe cases that have not responded to other treatments.

Runner's Knee

Sports Injury Prevention

Physical activity is an important part of maintaining overall health. However, certain precautions should be taken to minimize the risk of sports injuries. Using the correct equipment and maintaining equipment can help prevent sports injuries. Wearing the recommended protective gear can help shield the body against injury. Resting between workouts gives the body time to rest and repair. Starting activity slowly and gradually increasing strength, flexibility, and endurance gives muscles, bones, and other tissues the opportunity to adapt to more difficult workouts, minimizing the risk of injury. Finally, listening to the body and backing off at the first signs of pain, discomfort, stress, or overheating will help reduce the risk of sports injuries.

Common Injury Types in Cricket


1. Rotator Cuff Injuries
Both batters and fielders are at risk of rotator cuff injuries which occur when any of the four rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder tear. These muscles help to stabilise the shoulder joint, so any damage is likely to make batting and bowling painful. A lack of flexibility can cause the injury, but you can improve this through exercises such as pilates which is also great for balance, posture and circulation. If you are unlucky enough to experience this injury, one of the treatment options is to undergo rotator cuff surgery.

2. Medial meniscus tear
The medial meniscus is a C-shaped area of cartilage located at the top of the tibia bone in your lower leg. It helps to protect the knee joint from the stress of running, walking and bending, so it is no wonder a torn medial meniscus is a common cricketing injury. It can happen as you turn quickly to run, making it an acute injury, but may also occur slowly over time as a chronic issue. The injury is often accompanied by a pain on the inside of the knee, discomfort when squatting or bending, and sometimes swelling3. A knee arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) may be needed to diagnose the injury and decide the right treatment.

3. Ankle sprain
Like the knees, the ankles are put under a lot of strain during cricket as the lower body bears the brunt of quick changes in direction, sprinting and jumping. A sprained ankle refers to damaged ligaments and soft tissue which often happen when the ankle twists inwards4. Wearing an ankle brace can help to reduce the injury and the need for ankle surgery in severe cases.

4. Contusions
Contusions are caused by a direct impact to the muscle, mostly likely from being struck by a ball. Swelling or bruising can be expected when this happens, as well as some loss of movement in the muscle depending on how severe the damage is. Contusions are classed depending on how serious they are, starting at Grade 1 and going up to Grade 35. Grade 3 contusions are the most severe and of you suffer this form of injury you might need physiotherapy sessions before you can return to the pitch.

5. Thrower’s elbow
Thrower’s elbow (which is the same condition as golfer’s elbow) is known as medial epicondylitis to medical professionals. Pain is felt on the inside of the elbow as gradual overuse damages the tendon of the wrist flexor muscles. Ice can help to ease acute pain that may be felt during a match, and heat may be more beneficial when the injury becomes chronic. Orthopaedic surgery may even be necessary if the issue persists after less invasive treatment.

6. Swimmer’s shoulder
Swimmer’s shoulder, or shoulder impingement syndrome, is an injury caused by the tendons of the rotary cuff ‘catching’ in the shoulder8. Pain is felt when the tendons becomes trapped in the space at the top of the shoulder and repeatedly scrape against the bone when the arm is raised. It’s a common injury among bowlers who repeat this action often in a match and during training. You should apply ice or cold therapy should be applied when you feel pain, and rest is also important to allow the area to heal fully9. This condition can be complex to diagnose, so you may be recommended for a shoulder arthroscopy to get a clear picture of what is happening in the joint.

7. Lower back pain
General lower back pain is another common cricketing injury but it can be difficult to diagnose as there are so many structures and tissues in this area. Chronic lower back pain is often the result of pain at the sacroiliac joints which are located at the bottom and either side of the back. A slipped disc can also lead to discomfort here, which your osteopath can diagnose.

Consult Dr. Biplab Dolui for any Sports Injuries.


Runner's Knee

Doctor Personal Chamber

Address : "Bone and Fracture Clinic" Manik Residency, 106, Kalikapur-Santoshpur Link Rd, Kolkata-700099, West Bengal, Near-Kalikapur Post-Office Bridge.


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