Sports Injuries

Diagnosis of Sports Injuries

Most sports injuries lead to immediate pain and discomfort. Some may be observed only with overuse and long-term damage. These are diagnosed through a physical examination or a routine checkup.

The doctor may suggest the following steps for a thorough diagnosis:

• Physical Examination: The doctor will move the injured part of the body to see if the area is moving.
• Medical History: This is a crucial step where the doctor will ask you about the activity you were involved in right before the injury and what you did after the injury.
• Imaging Tests: The doctor may ask you to get X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds to inspect what is happening inside your body. This is important to confirm the diagnosis of a sports injury (mild or severe).

Treatment for Sports Injuries

The most common treatment suggested for sports injuries is the RICE method. It stands for the following:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

The treatment method is appropriate for mild sports injuries. It is recommended to follow this method for the first 24-36 hours post-injury. The procedure helps reduce swelling, pain, and bruises in the early days following a sports injury.

The doctor will recommend some medications to offer relief from pain and swelling. Severe sports injury needs immediate medical assistance.

Emergency treatment is required if you see any of these symptoms:

• Severe swelling and pain
• Instability
• Unable to put weight on the joint
• Visible lumps, bumps
• Deformities
• Weakness in the knee
• Popping or crunching sounds while using the joint

The following symptoms should be considered an emergency after an injury:

• Difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Dizziness

While most sports injuries can be treated at home and with prescription medications, severe conditions need surgery and guided physical therapy.

Recovery

It may take about a few weeks to months to completely recover from sports injuries. This depends on the type of injury you have. However, it is only advisable to return to the previous activity level once fully recovered.

Doctors advise players to start doing gentle exercises to improve the range of movement in the affected. With time, the movement becomes easier, and the pain eases. This is the right time to introduce stretching and strengthening exercises. Strictly avoid doing too much too soon. This increases the chances of getting injured again and delays the recovery process.

In some cases, it is essential to get the guidance of a professional (a physiotherapist or a specialist in sports injury). They are experienced in designing a program appropriate for your condition. The professional therapist can also recommend the exercises you can do with your condition and the appropriate repetitions.

• Symptoms and Causes