Common Sports Injuries: Diagnosis and Treatment
Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Inflammation of the tendon on the lateral aspect of the elbow. Repeated contraction of forearm muscles strains tendon attachment points, often due to repetitive movements.
Causes
Excessive effort and repetitive motion in the lateral elbow area, common in activities like tennis.
Diagnosis
- Pain on the outside of the elbow.
- Localized pain with hand grip, wrist, or elbow extension movements.
- Pain during simple actions like lifting a bottle or cup.
- Decreased pain at night.
Treatment
Non-surgical treatment includes protection, reducing inflammation, and strengthening muscles and tendons:
- Reduce activities causing pain.
- Modify aggravating activities.
- Take breaks and stretch.
- Apply ice and physiotherapy.
- Perform stretching and strengthening exercises after pain reduction.
Scoliosis
Lateral deviation of the vertebral column, causing a curve with vertebral body rotation and hump formation.
Causes
Most common is idiopathic scoliosis (75% of cases), possibly due to genetic factors.
Diagnosis
Radiographic diagnosis is essential. Medical history, including age of onset, progression, family history, pain, muscle weakness, and sensory changes, is crucial. Physical examination includes gait assessment and neurological evaluation.
Treatment
Treatment depends on curve degree, progression, and patient age. Secondary scoliosis requires prompt treatment of the underlying condition.
Surgical Treatment:
- Curves greater than 45 degrees.
- Congenital scoliosis with formation or segmentation defects.
For curves below 45 degrees in growing patients, a corset is used, with monthly monitoring and specific exercises.
Knee Sprain
Stretching or tearing of knee ligaments, strong tissue bands connecting bones.
Causes
- Forced twisting of the knee.
- Sudden stops while running.
- Weight shifting during running or skiing.
- Awkward landing after jumping.
- Blow to the knee’s outer, inner, or front side.
Diagnosis
Physical examination to assess joint stability and pain intensity. Tests include:
- X-ray: To check for bone fractures (normal results show no fractures).
- MRI: To assess ligament tears.
Treatment
- Rest: Avoid putting pressure on the knee.
- Ice: Apply ice wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes, four times a day for two days.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage to limit swelling and support the knee.
- Elevation: Keep the knee above heart level for 24 hours or more.
- Medication: Consult a doctor for pain relief options.
Ankle Sprain
Partial tear of ankle ligaments, strong tissue bands connecting bones.
Causes
Usually occurs on the outside of the ankle due to uneven ground, unstable walking or running, or falls from jumps.
Diagnosis
Consult a doctor if:
- Significant pain prevents ankle movement.
- Pain persists despite ice, medication, and elevation after 5-7 days.
- Numbness in the leg, foot, or ankle.
- Uncertainty about injury severity or care.
Treatment
Grade 1 or 2 sprains:
- Phase 1: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (48 hours).
- Phase 2: Range of motion exercises, proprioceptive training, peroneal and calf strengthening (3 weeks).
- Phase 3: Progressive retraining.
Fracture and Fissure
Fissure: Incomplete fracture with a fracture line but no bone fragment separation.
Fracture: Bone discontinuity due to shock or force exceeding bone elasticity.
Causes
- Falls from heights.
- Vitamin D deficiency.
- Direct blows.
Diagnosis
- X-ray: To visualize bone structures.
- MRI: To evaluate internal structures.
Treatment
- Immobilize the bone.
- Gradually reduce the fracture.
- Rehabilitate the affected bone.
Muscle Fiber Tear
Injury from exceeding muscle elasticity, with varying degrees of severity.
Diagnosis
Grade I (pull or minor tear):
- Sudden, intense pain.
- Localized, sharp prick.
- Loss of muscle function.
- Inability to finish activity, possible fall.
- Increased pain with walking and persistence at rest.
Treatment
Grade I and II tears: Physical therapy. Grade III or large Grade II tears: Possible orthopedic surgery.
- First 24 hours: Ice every two hours for 15 minutes, functional neuromuscular bandage.
- Second day: Electrotherapy, isometric exercises, stretching below pain threshold, functional bandage.
- Day 5: Resume activity if pain-free, avoiding stinging or pain.
- Day 5-21: Progressive aerobic activity, contractions, and stretches. Gradually increase intensity with jumps, turns, brakes, and sprints.
Muscle Overload
Excessive strain on a muscle or muscle group, common at the start of a sport or increased training.
Causes
Inappropriate training program, lack of stretching before and after exercise.
Diagnosis
Pain in the affected muscle, hardness, and contraction, sometimes visible. No accident or sports injury history.
Treatment
Gentle stretching, massage, local heat, anti-inflammatory ointment. Reduce sports activity or rest for a few days. Ultrasound therapy may be beneficial if no break or inflammation is present.
Knee Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Inflammation of the patellar tendon connecting the kneecap to the tibia.
Causes
Renewed effort, sudden movements, falls. Commonly affects the quadriceps and patellar tendons.
Diagnosis
- Pain in the front of the knee, increased by tendon exertion (running, jumping, climbing stairs).
- Pain and tenderness in the patellar tendon.
- Swelling.
- Pain when bending or extending the leg.
- Pain after prolonged knee flexion.
Treatment
Determined by age, health, and injury progress:
- Stop activity causing pain.
- Correct sports movement errors and inappropriate equipment.
- Rest.
- Apply ice packs (first 48-72 hours).
- Use circular half-knee tendon compresses.
- Stretch and strengthen.
- Low-frequency laser and ultrasound.
- Massage and shockwave therapy for the quadriceps.
- Transverse massage to mobilize the tendon.
- Isometric quadriceps exercises (avoid flexion and extension).
- Progressive retraining.