Beyond the Finish Line: Empathy-driven Sports Injury Care at IBS Hospital

Sports injuries can be broadly categorized into two main types:

• Acute Sports Injuries: Characterized by their sudden and unexpected onset, acute sports injuries materialize swiftly as a result of a forceful and abrupt impact or traumatic event. Such injuries demand immediate attention and intervention, as their abrupt nature can lead to swift deterioration if left untreated.
• Chronic Sports Injuries: Chronic sports injuries evolve over an extended period, arising from the cumulative effects of repetitive motion and continual strain on the body’s structures. Effective management and prevention strategies are essential in addressing these injuries, given their propensity to hinder performance and impede an athlete’s overall well-being.
   

Sports injuries can manifest in a variety of forms, including but not limited to:

• Shoulder Injuries: These encompass conditions such as rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, and joint instability.
• Elbow Injuries: Conditions like tennis elbow, Golfer’s elbow, little league elbow, and ulnar collateral ligament injuries are common.
• Knee Injuries: Runner’s knee, fractures, dislocations, ligament tears (such as ACL tears), meniscal tears, and tendon tears are frequent occurrences.
• Leg Injuries: Groin pulls, hamstring strains, and shin splints are among the leg-related sports injuries.
• Ankle Injuries: This category includes ankle sprains and Achilles tendonitis, often encountered by active individuals.
   

Certain practices can significantly elevate the risk of sports injuries:

• Incorrect Exercise Techniques: Improper form can strain joints and muscles.
• Overtraining or Repetitive Motions: Excessive strain without adequate recovery.
• Fluctuating Exercise Intensity: Abrupt changes in exercise intensity can stress the body.
• Prolonged Single-Sport Engagement: Repetitive movements in one sport can lead to overuse injuries.
• Impact Activities on Hard Surfaces: Hardsurfaces can amplify the impact on joints.
• Inadequate Safety Gear: Insufficient protective equipment can increase injuryrisk.
• Improper Footwear: Ill-fitting or inadequate footwear can contribute to injury occurrence, disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Diagnosing sports injuries entails a systematic approach:

• Physical Examination: Physicians carefully examine the injured area to assess symptoms and identify signs of injury.
• Imaging Tests: Further assessment is often conducted through imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, and ultrasound.

The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury:

• Immobilization: For certain injuries, the use of casts, splints, or braces can aid in stabilization and healing.
• Pain and Swelling Management: Over-the- counter or prescribed medication may be used to alleviate pain and swelling.
• Injections and Shots: These can provide targeted relief and aid in healing.
• Physiotherapy: A structured rehabilitation program helps restore function, strength, and flexibility.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to repair and reconstruct damaged tissues, particularly in severe injuries.