Sport Injuries

The causes of sports injuries vary depending on the type of activity and individual biomechanics. Acute injuries, such as sprains and fractures, are often caused by accidents or falls during high-impact activities. These injuries can result from sudden forces that strain the muscles, ligaments, and bones beyond their limits. Contact sports, like football or rugby, carry a higher risk of such injuries due to physical impact.
Chronic sports injuries develop from overuse and repetitive stress on a specific joint or muscle group. For instance, tennis players may develop tendonitis in the elbow, while runners are prone to knee and shin injuries. Poor technique, inadequate warm-up, or muscle imbalances can contribute to the development of chronic injuries by placing excessive strain on certain areas of the body.
Environmental factors, such as improper footwear, playing surface, and training conditions, also play a role in the likelihood of sports injuries. Inadequate recovery time between sessions can further increase the risk, as muscles and tendons need time to repair and adapt to physical demands.

Diagnosing sports injuries begins with a physical examination and a review of the patient’s medical history, including details of the activity that caused the injury. The clinician will assess the affected area for signs of swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion. Based on these findings, additional tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury.
Imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound, are commonly used to evaluate sports injuries. X-rays can reveal fractures and other bone abnormalities, while MRI scans provide detailed images of soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, making it easier to detect tears or inflammation. Ultrasound may be used to visualise tendon and ligament injuries, as it offers real-time imaging and is particularly useful for assessing movement.
For certain injuries, diagnostic tests like bone scans or CT scans may be required to provide a comprehensive view of complex fractures or to identify stress fractures, which are often missed by traditional X-rays.

The treatment of sports injuries varies depending on the type and severity of the injury, but it generally involves rest, rehabilitation, and targeted therapies to reduce pain and restore function. For acute injuries, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is often recommended to alleviate initial pain and swelling. Resting the affected area is crucial to allow healing and prevent further damage.
Physical therapy plays a central role in sports injury recovery, focusing on strengthening muscles, restoring joint flexibility, and enhancing coordination. A tailored rehabilitation program helps rebuild strength, improve range of motion, and prevent recurrence. In some cases, taping or bracing may be used to support the injured area during the recovery phase.
Non-surgical treatments, such as corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, can be effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing for chronic injuries, such as tendonitis. PRP injections, which use the patient’s blood to deliver growth factors directly to the injury site, stimulate tissue repair and can accelerate recovery. For more severe injuries, such as ligament tears or fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or reconstruct damaged structures.

Booking an initial consultation at The Clinica is the first step towards effective sports injury management and recovery. During this consultation, our specialist will conduct a thorough assessment, discuss your symptoms, and review your medical history to identify potential causes and contributing factors. This comprehensive evaluation helps in forming a diagnosis and creating a tailored treatment plan to address the injury.
If necessary, imaging tests will be arranged to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the damage. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a personalised rehabilitation and treatment plan will be developed to support recovery, strengthen the affected area, and help you return to your sport safely.