Sports Injuries

Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis & Treatment Doctors

What is a Sports Injury?

Sports injuries refer to any harm or damage to the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, or soft tissues during physical activities like exercise or sports. These injuries may occur from accidents, improper training techniques, overuse, or the stress placed on specific body parts.

Sports injuries aren't limited to professional athletes; they can happen to anyone involved in physical activity, regardless of their fitness level. Common types include sprains, fractures, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis, which affect the body's musculoskeletal system.

Common Types of Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can vary in severity and the part of the body affected. Below are some of the most common types of sports injuries:

ACL Injury (Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury)

An ACL injury is a common knee injury, especially in sports that involve sudden stops, direction changes, or jumping, such as basketball or football. Symptoms include:

A “popping” sound during injury
Severe pain
Swelling
Knee instability

Dislocated Shoulder

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. Common in contact sports (e.g., rugby) or those involving falls (e.g., cycling). Symptoms include:

Intense pain
Visible deformity
Limited shoulder movement

Broken Ribs

Rib fractures typically occur from direct trauma (e.g., a blow to the chest during contact sports). Symptoms include:

Smooth pain when breathing
Tenderness over the affected area
Bruising

Broken Collarbone (Clavicle Fracture)

Common in sports like cycling, skiing, or football, a broken collarbone typically results from falls or direct impact. Symptoms include:

Pain and swelling
Difficulty moving the arm

Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder. Overhead motion sports like swimming, tennis, or baseball often cause this injury. Symptoms include:

Shoulder pain
Weakness
Difficulty lifting the arm

Symptoms of Sports Injuries

The symptoms of sports injuries can differ depending on the injury's type and severity. However, common symptoms include:

Pain: Ranging from mild discomfort to sharp pain, especially when moving the affected area.
Swelling: Inflammation around the injured site.
Bruising: Discolouration due to internal bleeding.
Limited Mobility: Difficulty moving or using the affected joint.
Weakness or Instability: Feeling of instability in the injured area, especially in joints.
Numbness or Tingling: A possible sign of nerve involvement.
Deformity: In severe cases, a visible misalignment or abnormal shape of the affected area.

Causes of Sports Injuries

Sports injuries result from various factors, including:

Trauma: Direct impact or collision during sports like football or basketball.
Overuse: Repetitive movements or stress leading to conditions like tendinitis or stress fractures.
Improper Technique: Incorrect posture or movements during physical activities can lead to strains on muscles and joints.
Inadequate Warm-Up: Skipping warm-up exercises reduces flexibility, increasing the risk of injuries.
Poor Equipment: Wearing poorly fitted shoes or using inappropriate gear can cause injuries like sprains or fractures.

Prevention of Sports Injuries

While some injuries are unavoidable, preventive measures can significantly reduce risk:

Warm-Up and Cool Down: Always start with a proper warm-up and finish with a cool-down routine to prepare and relax muscles.
Use Proper Equipment: Ensure shoes and protective gear fit well and are suitable for the activity.
Maintain Fitness: Regular exercise and strength training help keep muscles and joints in top condition.
Learn Proper Techniques: Working with coaches or trainers ensures you practice proper form during physical activities.
Avoid Overtraining: Take adequate rest to avoid overuse injuries.
Stay Hydrated: Hydration supports muscle function and reduces the risk of cramps.

At Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), we provide expert care to help you recover from sports injuries and prevent future ones, with personalised treatment plans tailored to your needs.

FAQs About Sports Injuries Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms like severe pain, inability to move the affected area, or visible deformity require immediate medical care.

Hidden causes include muscle imbalances, poor flexibility, and inadequate recovery time between workouts.

Recurring injuries often occur due to incomplete healing, weakened tissues, or improper rehabilitation after the initial injury.

Using incorrect posture or movement during exercise can place excessive strain on muscles and joints, increasing the risk of injuries like sprains or tendinitis.

Inadequate recovery doesn’t allow tissues to fully heal, making them more vulnerable to repeated stress and injuries.