Dr.Apoorv Dua

Expert Care for Sports Injuries: Get Back in the Game with Confidence

Sports injuries are an unfortunate reality for athletes, both amateur and professional, across various disciplines. While engaging in physical activities offers numerous health benefits, the risk of injury is always present.

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Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are common muscle, bone or soft tissue injuries that occur during physical activities. They include sprains, strains and fractures — injuries that usually heal within weeks or months — as well as longer-lasting conditions like tendinitis. Overtraining, falls and running into things are common causes. Many sports injuries can heal at home, but it’s important to have a plan for rehabilitation.

Dr. Apoorv Dua, recognized as one of the best orthopedic doctors in South Delhi, brings extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating sport injuries-related issues. With a commitment to providing top-notch care, he utilizes advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology to address knee problems effectively. Whether dealing with arthritis, ligament damage, or other knee ailments, Dr. Dua’s approach combines precision and personalized care to achieve optimal outcomes for his patients.

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About Sports Injuries

It’s not hard to tell when you’ve got a sports injury. You’ll usually get it while playing or working out. You’ll notice when what you’re doing becomes painful. You may also notice other signs of injury.

Common symptoms include:

  • Muscle or bone pain (musculoskeletal pain)
  • Bruises, color changes or swelling that you can see
  • A bone or joint looking out of place (deformity)
  • A hard time moving or putting weight on the body part

The most common causes of sports injuries include:

  • Falls, which account for more than 1 in 4 sports injuries, according to the CDC
  • Training too hard or too long (overexertion) or overestimating your abilities, which can cause injury
  • Direct impact, which includes being hit by sports equipment or running into another player

To diagnose a sports injury, your healthcare provider will start with a physical exam and medical history. They’ll ask you about what happened at the time of the injury and review your symptoms. They might check how your injured body part moves or how it feels when they touch it. Depending on the injury, they might want to look at pictures of the bones or tissues involved.

They’ll get these pictures through imaging tests like:

  • X-ray
  • CT scan
  • MRI

When you first get a sports injury, you can treat it with the RICE method for immediate relief. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Sometimes, a parent, school nurse or sports medic will apply the RICE method on the field or playground until you can see a healthcare provider. It can help reduce pain and swelling in the acute phase of your injury. But you’ll need different treatment later on.

Many sports injuries can heal at home, though it’s important to have a healthcare provider advise you on your treatment plan. More serious sports injuries may require specialized medical care, like:

  • Pain relief. You may need over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.
  • Closed reduction. A healthcare provider might need to move a joint back into place.
  • Surgery. You might need surgery to repair a tear or fracture, for example.
  • A cast or splint. You may need to wear a cast or splint to hold your tissues in place.

When in doubt, it never hurts to see a qualified healthcare provider about an injury. Repetitive strain injuries, like tendinitis, can sometimes be hard to recognize until you see a provider. You might not realize you have an injury if you can’t connect your symptoms with a specific event. On the other hand, if you have an acute injury, you might not be able to tell how serious it is. Signs to watch for include:

  • Severe pain that isn’t getting better
  • Extreme bleeding, bruising or swelling
  • Obvious deformity, like bones that look out of place
  • You can’t move or use the injured par
The time it takes to recover from a sports injury depends on the type and severity of the injury, as well as other factors: 
 
Injury
Recovery time
Minor injury
Heals in a few days or weeks with rest and simple recovery strategies
Broken bone
Can take several months to heal, depending on the type and location of the fracture
Concussion
Can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity
Ligament tear
A partial tear could take three months, while a complete tear could take six to twelve months after surgery

Sports Injury Rehabilitation Stages

After initially sustaining a sports injury, it can be easy to want to rush through the recovery process and return to the game. However, taking the time to go through each stage of rehabilitation will help ensure you make a full recovery. At Dua’s Speciality Clinic, our team knows which stage of recovery an athlete should attain and when they’ll be ready to move on to the next. By choosing our staff to administer your physical therapy, you’ll be able to return to your sport with no risk of future injury.

1. Pain and Swelling Reduction

2. Improve Joint Mobility and Range of Motion

3. Regain Your Strength and Endurance

4. Increase Coordination Skills

5. Recovering Sports-Specific Movements

Not all injuries are preventable, but there are some practical steps you can take to reduce your risk:

  • Get trained: When you start a new activity, make sure you learn and practice safe techniques.
  • Gear up: Use the right protective gear and equipment to prevent injuries.
  • Start slow: Warm up and stretch before activity. Gradually increase your level of intensity.
  • Build fitness: A regular fitness routine will help condition your body for various sports.
  • Mix it up: Cross-train or vary your exercise routine. Don’t play the same sport year-round.
  • Know your limits: Listen to your body and don’t push it too far. Allow yourself time to recover.

WHY US?

Why Choose Dr. Apoorv Dua

At our clinic, Dr. Apoov Dua offers expert care for Sports Injuries. With extensive experience in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Dua utilizes advanced techniques to ensure a smoother recovery and optimal long-term results.

50,000+

Patients Experience

25,000+

Procedures

1000+

Trauma surgeries

5000

Joint Replacement Surgeries

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We believe in transparency. You can enquire about the Surgery Cost and we will help you with complete detailed treatment process till your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sport Injuries

How can I treat a sports injury?

You can treat a sports injury with the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for immediate relief. You can also try over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. More serious injuries may require specialized medical care, such as surgery, a cast, or a splint.

What are the types of sports injuries?

There are two types of sports injuries: acute and chronic. Acute injuries occur suddenly, such as a sprained ankle. Chronic injuries are caused by repeated overuse of muscle groups or joints. 

How Do I Know if My Injury Is Serious?

Many sports injuries have similar symptoms and can be very difficult to self-diagnose. Although minor injuries can often heal on their own over time, more serious injuries will require treatment.

The following symptoms may indicate a more serious injury:

  • A popping or snapping sound or feeling
  • Intense or ongoing pain or weakness
  • Immobility or inability to bear weight on the affected area
  • Immediate swelling or bruising
  • Visible deformity
  • Numbness or tenderness
How Can I Speed Up Recovery?

Recovering from a sports injury takes time, but your commitment to your recovery can play a major role in your body’s healing process.

An appropriate conditioning program can help you accelerate your recovery and reduce the chance of re-injury. However, certain activities should be avoided as they can cause further damage. *Be sure to talk to your physician about what is best for you and your body.

When you sustain any type of injury, it is essential to pay attention to your body and give it the time it needs to recover. Don’t forget to get some rest, and always make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations since their goal is the get you back in action as soon and as safely as possible.

Can a Torn Tendon/Ligament Heal on Its Own?

With proper care and plenty of rest, a mild ligament or tendon injury will often heal on its own. However, when a tendon or ligament is torn or ruptured, symptoms will likely persist and the injury may worsen with continued use.

Non-surgical treatment methods, such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications, can help to improve function and relieve pain. However, immobilization with a brace or cast, surgery, or physical therapy may be required to restore full strength.

What’s the Difference Between a Sprain and a Strain?

Sprains and strains are common sports injuries involving the soft tissue surrounding the joints. These injuries have very similar causes and symptoms, so it can be difficult to tell them apart.

sprain occurs when a ligament connecting two bones together is overstretched or slightly torn. Knee, wrist, and ankle sprains are some of the most common injuries seen in athletes.

strain, sometimes called a “pulled muscle”, occurs in the same way as a sprain but affects the muscle or the tendon that attaches the muscle to the bone. Sports-related muscle strains are most common in the thigh and groin.

Both injuries cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. The key difference is that bruising is a sign of a sprain, while muscle spasms may indicate a strain.

Can Physical Therapy Replace Surgery for Sports Injuries?

The necessity of surgery for a sports injury varies based on individual circumstances. While some patients are advised that surgery is their sole option, it’s essential to consider alternatives. In certain cases, a misdiagnosis by a physician or medical provider can lead to such recommendations. The decision to pursue surgery or explore conservative treatment options depends on your specific goals and the potential for recovery. A thorough evaluation can help determine the best course of action.

 

Do Foot Orthotics Effectively Prevent Injuries?

Foot orthotics are frequently utilized to realign the knee, foot, and hip, and they can be effective in injury prevention for some individuals. These custom or over-the-counter devices are particularly beneficial for those with structural issues like flat feet, which can lead to excessive stress on the knee. However, the effectiveness of foot orthotics depends on their proper design and fit. Ill-fitted orthotics can potentially exacerbate issues, emphasizing the need for accurate evaluation to determine whether orthotics are necessary for a specific condition.

When Can an Athlete Safely Return to the Game?

Determining when an athlete can safely return to sports involves evaluating various factors, including the athlete’s mindset, the potential risk, and their physical readiness. Competing athletes often have a strong desire to return to the game swiftly, but it’s essential to prioritize safety.

A healthcare provider assesses risk versus reward and conducts various tests to determine an athlete’s readiness. Functional tests and a comparison of the injured and non-injured sides can help gauge an athlete’s preparedness for a safe return to sports.

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