How to Treat a Sports Injury Immediately When It Happens
Read MoreParticipating in sports is an excellent way to stay fit, improve mental health, and enjoy camaraderie with teammates. However, physical activities also come with a risk of injury, especially in high-intensity or contact sports. Understanding the most common sports-related injuries can help athletes take preventative measures and seek timely treatment if necessary.
Here, Dr Ankit Dave — one of the best orthopaedic surgeons in Nairobi — lists the six most common sports-related injuries, their causes, symptoms, and ways to manage or avoid them.
1. Sprains and Strains
What Are They?
● Sprains involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments, the tissues that connect bones to joints.
● Strains involve the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons.
Causes
Sprains typically occur when joints are forced into unnatural positions, such as rolling an ankle. Strains often happen due to overstretching or overuse of muscles, commonly in sports requiring repetitive movements.
Symptoms
● Pain and swelling
● Bruising or discoloration (in sprains)
● Muscle weakness or spasms (in strains)
Prevention and Treatment
● Warm up and stretch before exercising.
● Wear proper footwear and protective gear.
● Use the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for minor injuries, and seek medical attention for severe cases.
2. Knee Injuries
What Are They?
Knee injuries range from mild conditions like patellar tendinitis (runner’s knee) to severe issues like ligament tears, including the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), shares Dr Ankit Dave who is well known as one of the best doctors for sports injury in Nairobi.
Causes
Sudden stops, changes in direction, or heavy impacts can strain the knee joint, making it vulnerable to injury. High-risk sports include basketball, soccer, and skiing.
Symptoms
● Pain and swelling around the knee
● Instability or inability to bear weight
● Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Prevention and Treatment
● Strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee through targeted exercises.
● Wear knee braces for added support during intense activities.
● Surgery may be required for severe injuries like ACL tears, followed by rehabilitation.
3. Fractures
What Are They?
Fractures are broken bones that occur due to high-impact forces or repeated stress on specific areas (stress fractures).
Causes
Contact sports (e.g., football or hockey) and high-impact activities (e.g., running or gymnastics) are common causes of fractures.
Symptoms
● Intense pain at the site of injury
● Swelling, bruising, and deformity
● Inability to move or bear weight
Prevention and Treatment
● Use protective gear such as pads and helmets.
● Avoid overtraining and ensure adequate rest.
● Fractures require medical attention, immobilization, or surgery, followed by rehabilitation.
4. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
What Is It?
Tennis elbow is a condition caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm, resulting in pain around the outer elbow. Dr Ankit Dave, one of the best doctors for sports injury in Nairobi, states that when ignored this causes significant delays in recovery.
Causes
Repetitive wrist and arm motions, often seen in tennis, golf, or other racquet sports, lead to this injury.
Symptoms
● Pain and tenderness on the outer elbow
● Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
● Weakness in the forearm
Prevention and Treatment
● Use proper technique and equipment to reduce strain.
● Strengthen forearm muscles with specific exercises.
● Rest and apply ice to reduce pain; severe cases may require physical therapy or corticosteroid injections.
5. Shoulder Injuries
What Are They?
Shoulder injuries include dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and impingement syndromes caused by excessive strain or trauma.
Causes
One of the best orthopaedic surgeons in Nairobi — Dr Ankit Dave — says that overhead movements, such as throwing a ball or swimming, put stress on the shoulder joint, increasing the risk of injury.
Symptoms
● Pain and weakness in the shoulder
● Limited range of motion
● Popping or grinding sensations during movement
Prevention and Treatment
● Strengthen shoulder muscles and improve flexibility.
● Avoid overtraining and allow for adequate rest.
● Treatment ranges from physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.
6. Concussions
What Are They?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking.
Causes
Contact sports like football, rugby, or boxing are frequent culprits. However, any sport with a risk of falls or collisions can lead to a concussion.
Symptoms
● Headache, dizziness, and confusion
● Nausea or vomiting
● Sensitivity to light and noise
Prevention and Treatment
● Wear helmets and follow safety protocols in contact sports.
● Educate athletes on the signs of concussion to ensure early intervention.
● Rest is crucial for recovery, and severe cases may require medical evaluation.
Staying Safe While Staying Active
Sports are an incredible way to stay healthy, but injuries are an inherent risk. While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of injury entirely, you can significantly reduce it by:
● Prioritizing proper warm-ups and cool-downs.
● Using the right gear and equipment.
● Listening to your body and avoiding overexertion.
If you experience pain or suspect an injury, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent minor injuries from becoming chronic issues.
