SHARES
We had the privilege of inviting Dr Kannan Kaliyaperumal, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Centre for Foot & Ankle Surgery, Singapore, to share with us about sports injury. Dr Kannan trained in the UK where his posting allowed him to work with the surgical teams that treated elite European athletes.
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What are the common sports injuries?
Dr Kannan: With the population becoming increasingly health conscious, sports have become an integral part of people’s lifestyles. Hence, we see an increased number of patients with sustained sports injuries.
Commonly seen sports injuries can be sustained from popular sports, like running, soccer, cycling or rock climbing. These sports subject the lower limbs to great duress. Therefore, sports injuries are most prevalent in the lower limbs, which includes the knees, foot and ankle. Of course, some of the other areas with sustained sports injuries would be the shoulders or the back (spine).
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What are the causes that can lead to sports injuries?
Dr Kannan: Sports injuries occur during exercise or sport. Although regular exercises benefit the body, exercising does come with certain risks. For example, most people would have experienced minor sports-related injuries, such as strained muscles or blisters. Meanwhile, others might have experienced more serious injuries, which includes torn ligaments, cartilage injuries or even broken bones.
There are various factors that can lead to sports injuries. Common causes include accidents, improper use of equipment, insufficient warm up, lack of stretching, or simply being out of shape.
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What can we do in the event of sports injury?
Dr Kannan: The immediate home management of sprains is R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). The swelling and pain from sprains usually settle within 3 to 5 days.
R-est: Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
I-ce: Use an ice pack or slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat every two to three hours while you’re awake. If you have heart problems, diabetes or decreased sensation, talk to your doctor before applying ice.
C-ompression: Compress the injured part with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Avoid hindering circulation by not wrapping too tightly. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart.
E-levation: Keep the injured part elevated above the level of your heart to reduce swelling, especially at night. Gravity helps to reduce swelling by draining excess fluid.
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When would medical attention be required during a sports injury?
Dr Kannan: The signs that warrant medical attention are excessive pain, bruising and persistent swelling that does not disappear within 2 to 3 days.
In such scenario, it is prudent to consult a medical practitioner for detailed investigations. Procedures such as X-ray or a scan might be necessary to exclude bone injury, cartilage injury or ligament tears of the ankle. In some cases, the doctor might also prescribe follow up treatment plan which involves structured physiotherapy or a period of immobilization.
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How can sports injuries be prevented?
Dr Kannan: Most sports injuries can be avoided when the public is equipped with the knowledge to exercise safely.
Tips to prevent injuries include:
- Always wear the correct gear. Players should always wear appropriate and properly fitted protective sports gear such as pads (for neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee and shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and/or eye wear.
- Increase muscle strength.
- Increase flexibility through ample stretching for warm ups.
- Use the proper technique.
- Pace yourself by taking sporadic rests.
- Follow the rules and play safe.
- Stop all sports activity if there is pain.
- Always keep yourself hydrated.
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What are the consequences during re-injury?
Dr Kannan: If there was overexertion of the injured area, the injury could recur, causing pain. The pain could pose a long-lasting problem.
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What are the steps to prevent re-injury?
Dr Kannan: Some precautions to minimize recurrence of sports injuries are:
- Reduce uphill running.
- Wear shoes with good support that fit well.
- Stop exercising if you feel pain or tightness in the back of your calf or heel.
About Dr Kannan:
Dr Kannan obtained his postgraduate qualification from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. He subsequently trained in Lower Limb Reconstructive Surgery (LLRS) with special emphasis on Foot and Ankle (F&A) Reconstruction. His training allowed him to work with the surgical teams that treated elite European athletes. Dr Kannan practises at Centre for Foot & Ankle Surgery.
If you would like to make an appointment with an Orthopaedic Surgeon:
Find an Orthopaedic Surgeon in Malaysia, on GetDoc
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
