Sports Injury

Has this article been insightful? Share it!

Sports Injury

Sports injuries can be a common concern for athletes of all levels, ranging from minor strains to more serious conditions requiring extensive rehabilitation. Understanding the types, causes, and preventive measures of sports injuries is crucial for athletes and active individuals alike. Recognising symptoms and knowing available treatments facilitate a safe return to activity, whether you’re an amateur or professional athlete.

sports injury management singapore

Types of Sports Injuries

Sports injuries often arise from overuse, direct impact, or excessive force that exceeds the body’s structural limits. These injuries encompass bruises, sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations, which can affect any part of the body, including bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and connective tissues.

Sprains and Strains
  • Sprains occur when ligaments (the tissues connecting bones) are stretched or partially torn. Common areas affected include the ankles, knees, and wrists.
  • Strains involve muscles or tendons (the tissues connecting muscles to bones) and can result from overstretching or partial tearo. Hamstring and lower back strains are particularly common.
  • Stress Fractures are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive force, often seen in weight-bearing bones like the tibia (shinbone) and metatarsals (foot bones).
  • Acute Fractures result from a sudden impact or trauma, such as a fall or direct blow, and can affect any bone in the body.
  • Joint Dislocations occur when the ends of your bones are forced out of their normal positions. Shoulders, elbows, and fingers are commonly affected areas. Dislocations require immediate medical attention to avoid long-term damage.
  • Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, often due to overuse. Common types include Achilles tendinitis and tennis elbow.
  • Tendinosis refers to the degeneration of the tendon’s collagen in response to chronic overuse without proper healing.
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears are prevalent in sports requiring sudden changes in direction, like football and basketball. ACL injuries often require surgical intervention.
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tears are common in contact sports and usually result from a direct blow to the outer side of the knee.
  • Meniscus Tears in the knee are common among athletes. These injuries can occur from twisting motions, especially when the foot is planted while the knee is bent.
  • Labral Tears in the shoulder or hip result from repetitive motion or acute trauma, affecting the labrum that stabilises these joints.
  • Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa (small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near joints). It commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, and hip.
  • Shin Splints refer to pain along the shinbone (tibia) due to repetitive stress. Runners and athletes in high-impact sports often experience this condition.

What Athletes or Sports Injury That We Treat

At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we cater to athletes across a wide spectrum of sports. Our goal is to facilitate your safe and swift return to sports through tailored care. For more complex cases that may necessitate surgery, our team provides minimally invasive procedures designed to minimise risk and faster recovery. 

Depending on the nature and frequency of sports participation, patients may experience varying degrees of pain in specific areas of the body. Overall, at Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we are equipped to address a range of concerns including but not limited to:

sports injury clinic singapore
  • Meniscus Injury

A meniscus injury refers to a tear in the cartilage of the knee that cushions and stabilises the joint. It typically happens due to sudden twisting or turning motions during physical activities like sports, but can also result from age-related degeneration. 

Patients can consider plasma-rich platelet (PRP) injections and arthroscopic surgery to repair or trim the damaged portion of the meniscus

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear (ACL)

The ACL is a cruciate ligament that stabilises the knee during pivoting and sidestepping movements. A torn ACL can lead to knee instability, which hinders participation in sports. In such cases, ACL reconstruction is recommended to restore knee function.

  • Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. 

In sports, repetitive stress or previous injuries can accelerate joint degeneration and increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Different treatments are available at Alps Orthopaedic Centre to target this condition at different parts of the body such as knee or hip replacements, radio frequency ablation (RFA), injections and more.

  • Knee Cartilage Injury

This injury occurs from damage to knee cartilage, often due to sports activities involving repetitive motions or direct impact, causing pain, swelling, and restricted movement that affect athletic performance. 

Treatment options include knee preservation with cartilage repair to repair or regenerate damaged tissue, aiming to restore joint function, alleviate symptoms, and support athletes’ return to sports activities.

Diagnosis of Sports Injury

In terms of diagnosis, individuals suffering from a sports injury can visit an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore to get the specialised help that they deserve. At these centres, specialists can determine the root cause of injury through medical history taking, physical examination and imaging procedures such as X-rays or MRIs. Treatment recommendations will then be provided on a case-by-case basis.

sports doctor

Management of Sports Injury

In managing such injuries, prompt application of the R.I.C.E method is typically recommended: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It’s crucial to avoid the application of heat, consumption of alcohol, strenuous activity, or receiving massages initially to prevent further bleeding, swelling, and delay of the healing process. 

Subsequently, proper medical treatment of sports injuries is important, as leaving an injury untreated can lead to serious complications.

Non-surgical treatments
More common and minor cases such as ankle sprain, groin pull, and hamstring strain may be treated with non-surgical options like a combination of medication, topical dressing and sports physiotherapy.

Surgical treatments
However, in the event of more serious injuries, our orthopaedic surgeon may suggest surgical interventions such as arthroscopic (keyhole) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, meniscus repair and cartilage repair, to help patients recover faster and be able to return to playing sports.

What are Common Causes of Sports Injury?

Sports injuries often result from forces exceeding what the body can handle, occurring either suddenly (acute) or over time (chronic). Acute injuries are caused by an impact force greater than what the body part can withstand, while chronic injuries result from repetitive motion. Sometimes, overuse can degrade tissues and joints, increasing the likelihood for acute injuries. 

Specifically, key causes of sports injuries include: 

  1. Overuse: Repetitive use of a body part, causing stress, pain, and swelling.
  2. Insufficient Warm-Up: Skipping a proper warm-up increases the risk of strains and overuse injuries, as it leaves muscles and joints unprepared for physical activity.
  3. Overextension: Stretching muscles or ligaments beyond their limits can lead to tears.
  4. Accidents: Unavoidable mishaps can still cause unwanted injuries.

How to Prevent Sport Injury

Exercise benefits the body, and with proper precautions, sports injuries can often be prevented. To avoid sports-related injuries, consider these prevention tips:

Warm Up and Stretch

Warming up and stretching before exercising is crucial for injury prevention. This prepares muscles and joints for physical activity by increasing flexibility, blood flow, and oxygen supply, reducing muscle tension, and improving the range of motion. These benefits collectively lower the risk of strains and overuse injuries. 

Tip: Warm up by gently going through the motions of your sport and performing slow, sustained stretches.

Consistent exercise conditions your body for sports, enhancing overall fitness and muscle strength. This preparation reduces the likelihood of injury by ensuring the body is well-equipped to handle the demands of physical activity.

Tip: Maintain a good level of overall fitness and cross-train with other sports to ensure comprehensive fitness and muscle strength.

Appropriate gear provides crucial protection to vulnerable areas, preventing impact injuries and offering support to joints, thus reducing the risk of fractures, sprains, and other sports-related injuries.

Tip: Wear appropriate footwear and use necessary safety equipment like helmets, pads, and consider taping or strapping vulnerable joints if necessary.

Gradual progression is crucial to prevent overexertion and lower the risk of acute and overuse injuries. Proper technique and allowing sufficient recovery time also help protect against strains, sprains, and other injuries. If injured, give your body time to heal before gradually increasing training intensity and duration. 

Tip: Remember to use good form, cool down with gentle stretches, and allow adequate recovery between sessions to prevent sustained injury.

For those routinely engaged in sports, undergoing regular medical check-ups can help monitor your overall health and fitness levels. This helps identify any potential issues early and allows for timely intervention.

Tip: Ideally one checkup per year is advisable.

sports injury prevention

What are Common Causes of Sports Injury?

If you are looking for a clinic in Singapore to treat sports injury, book an appointment at Alps Orthopaedic Centre with orthopaedic surgeon Dr Jerry Chen who can provide appropriate treatment options for your specific concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sports injury management?

In Singapore, sports injury management involves preventing, treating, and rehabilitating injuries that occur during sports or exercise to aid athletes in returning to peak performance. In Singapore, this often includes a multidisciplinary approach with orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, and sports medicine specialists to ensure comprehensive care. The goal is to help athletes and active individuals return to their activities safely and effectively.

Prevention is key, but if injured, consulting an orthopaedic specialist for diagnosis and a recovery plan is crucial. Early intervention can prevent further damage and ensure a quicker recovery.

Treatments for chronic sports injuries can include:

  • Physiotherapy: Tailored exercise programs to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
  • Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers to manage pain and swelling.
  • Injection Therapies: Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  • Surgery: In more serious injuries, minimally invasive surgery or surgery to repair or reconstruct damaged tissues is also possible.
  • Rehabilitation Programs: Customised rehabilitation plans to restore function and prevent re-injury.

For an initial response, use the R-I-C-E method to speed healing. For persistent pain or discomfort, seeking immediate medical attention is recommended.

To speed up sports injury recovery, follow medical advice on rest and rehabilitation. In eligible patients, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols may also accelerate recovery. Alps Orthopaedic aims to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible. 

Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.

sports clinic singapore
Has this article been insightful? Share it!

Dr Jerry Chen

MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director

Why Alps Orthopaedic Centre?

At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible. 

Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan. 

Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.

Has this article been insightful? Share it!

Dr Jerry Chen

MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director

Why Alps Orthopaedic Centre?

At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible. 

Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan. 

Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.

Has this article been insightful? Share it!

Dr Jerry Chen

MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director

Why Alps Orthopaedic Centre?

At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible. 

Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan. 

Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.