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What are Common Types of Sports Injury?

Participating in various sports and exercises is good for one’s health. However, accidents, insufficient warm-ups, poor conditioning and improper gear may lead to sport injuries. Treatments for sports injuries range from mild, requiring only rest, ice therapy or some medication; to serious, requiring physiotherapy or even sports surgery. Nonetheless, it is still important to take preventive actions that minimise the risk of a sports injury from happening.

  • Achilles Tendinitis – Achilles tendinitis occurs due to the overuse of or sustained injury to the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It can also be caused by degeneration due to age and time.
  • Plantar Fasciitis – Characterized by a sharp pain under the heel, plantar fasciitis occurs when the fibrous tissues extending from the heel to the toe, called fascia, become strained and inflamed due to stress, overstretching and strenuous exercises.
  • Stress Fractures – Stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bone, occur when there is repetitive force exerted on the bones of the feet or ankles, and the muscles are unable to absorb or cushion the impact. It is caused by strenuous activities that exert too much pressure on the weight-bearing bones of the body, as well as factors such as poor conditioning and use of improper equipment.
  • Ankle Sprain – An ankle sprain happens when the foot is twisted in such a way that the joint becomes dislocated from its socket. This causes the ligaments around the ankle to be damaged, stretched or torn, resulting in swelling, bruising, and discomfort or pain. Ankle sprains are often caused by the prolonged use of inappropriate footwear, walking on rough or uneven terrain, and extreme sports.
    • What is Sports Medicine?

    Sports medicine is focused on the treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries related to sports, exercise, or recreational activity. These injuries and conditions include bruises, sprains, tears, muscle injuries, dislocations, and hairline fractures.

    While orthopaedic doctors can also specialise in sports medicine and there are many overlaps between the two, their focus is more surgical in nature as compared to sports medicine doctors, who focus more on non-surgical treatments alongside lifestyle modifications, nutrition counselling and physical training plans.

  • Achilles Tendinitis – Achilles tendinitis occurs due to the overuse of or sustained injury to the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It can also be caused by degeneration due to age and time.
  • Plantar Fasciitis – Characterized by a sharp pain under the heel, plantar fasciitis occurs when the fibrous tissues extending from the heel to the toe, called fascia, become strained and inflamed due to stress, overstretching and strenuous exercises.
  • Stress Fractures – Stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bone, occur when there is repetitive force exerted on the bones of the feet or ankles, and the muscles are unable to absorb or cushion the impact. It is caused by strenuous activities that exert too much pressure on the weight-bearing bones of the body, as well as factors such as poor conditioning and use of improper equipment.
  • Ankle Sprain – An ankle sprain happens when the foot is twisted in such a way that the joint becomes dislocated from its socket. This causes the ligaments around the ankle to be damaged, stretched or torn, resulting in swelling, bruising, and discomfort or pain. Ankle sprains are often caused by the prolonged use of inappropriate footwear, walking on rough or uneven terrain, and extreme sports.
    • What are the Types of Sports Surgical Procedures?

    Minor sports injuries can usually be treated at home using the R.I.C.E. method, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate. However, more serious injuries may require medications, physiotherapy and even sports surgery.

    What are Common Treatments for Sports Injuries?
  • Arthroscopy for Knees, Ankles & Shoulders – This keyhole procedure involves making small incisions in the skin and inserting a lighted, optical probe, allowing the sports surgeon to examine the affected area thoroughly. It can be used in the diagnosis or treatment of an injury. Arthroscopy is the preferred method to treat tendon tears, inflamed joint linings, carpal tunnel syndrome, and loose cartilage and bones. It is minimally invasive, thus allowing for less scarring and quicker recovery.
  • Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) – This procedure is designed to fix serious fractures or breakages by first realigning the bone back to its original position via open surgery, then fixing it in place using steel rods, screws or plates. The hardware can either be permanent or removed during the healing process. Because of the nature of the procedure, recovery takes a longer time and often involves pain management, physiotherapy and medications.
  • ACL Reconstruction – For this procedure, the damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is removed and replaced with a tendon graft. The replacement tissue is usually obtained from another area of the knee or from a deceased donor. ACL reconstruction is often followed by a series of rehabilitative therapy to bring stability and restore function to the knee.
  • Meniscal Repair & Meniscectomy – A meniscectomy is the procedure to remove part or all of the meniscus, the cartilage between the femur and tibia. In some cases, meniscus tear may be repaired by stitching the torn pieces of the meniscus back together. Both meniscectomy and tear repairs are done via arthroscopy.
  • Broström Procedure – This procedure is performed to address damages in the ligaments of the lateral ankle, specifically the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). The aim of the operation is to tighten the problematic ligament to return stability to the ankle. This is done by first removing the ligament and cutting or stitching them to make them shorter, then reattaching the ligament back in place. Tissue grafts may also be applied to further add strength to the ankle.
  • Open, Mini-Open and All-Arthroscopic Repair – Shoulder sports injuries, including SLAP (superior labral tear from anterior to posterior) tears, rotator cuff tendinitis and dislocations may be done via traditional open methods, keyhole surgery, or a combination of both techniques, depending on the size and severity of the injury. In all procedures, the aim is to remove bone spurs and repair tendon damage to restore mobility in the shoulders.
    • How Can One Prevent Sports Injuries?

    While some injuries are unavoidable due to accidents and the very nature of sports, some steps can be taken to minimise the risk of sports injuries:

    • Make sure that your body is well-conditioned prior to starting the sport and before each work-out
    • Use proper techniques and wear proper gear required of the sport
    • Ensure you get sufficient rest before and after the activity
    • Ensure previous injuries have been cleared by a doctor before returning to the sport
    • Know your limits and do not over-exert yourself
    Why is it Important to Consult a Sports Surgeon in Singapore?

    Having injuries is common among people who participate in sports, whether professionally or not. Going to a sports surgery clinic is important for the prompt diagnosis and treatment of many sports-related injuries in order to prevent the condition from worsening, which can make treatment a costlier and more complicated process. Sports medicine doctors and orthopaedic surgeons can provide personalised care and treatment plans to help patients recover, and return to their sport or activity with confidence.

    How Soon Can I Get Back to Sports After Surgery?

    The duration of recovery after a sports injury surgery can vary significantly from person to person. It depends on several factors, including the type of surgery performed, the individual’s general health, their natural rate of healing, and compliance to post-surgery aftercare.

    Generally speaking, in cases of minor injuries and procedures, patients may return to sports after several weeks or a few months. In cases of moderate injuries and procedures, patients may need to undergo physiotherapy for more months before they can be cleared to return to sports. In major injuries and procedures, it may take a year or longer of rehabilitation before they can return to their previous activity level.

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