Sports Injuries

Sports have become increasingly prominent in modern societies, promising a healthier and longer life. However, the human body is programmed in such a way that excessive activity can start to cause harm over time.
Sports injuries are a serious health issue that can even lead to death. They are injuries that sometimes end the working life of a productive generation, as well as their professional sports careers.
With the arrival of summer, last-minute diets and intensified training routines can lead to serious problems. In pursuit of quick results, you may cause permanent damage to your joints.

How Are Sports Injuries Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of sports injuries begins with an experienced and detailed history-taking process, aimed at predicting how the mechanism of injury might affect the athlete. Physical examination and necessary imaging techniques then confirm the diagnosis.
Since sports injuries mostly involve the musculoskeletal system, conventional X-rays and CT scans are used to assess bone structures, while MRI is utilized for visualizing soft tissues.

Types of Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can be categorized into several groups:

• Injuries related to sports,
• Injuries caused by improper training or coaching,
• Injuries resulting from overloading or performing excessive and unplanned physical activities.

Additionally, when examined on a national scale, sports injuries can be divided into subcategories:

• Injuries during school years,
• Injuries occurring from primary school to the end of high school,
• Pre-adolescent and post-adolescent injuries,
• Injuries among young and middle-aged adults.

What Are the Most Common Sports Injuries?

• Ankle Sprain: Ankle sprains are common in sports such as running, football, and basketball. They occur when the ankle twists abnormally, straining the ligaments.
• Meniscus Tears: The menisci in the knee reduce friction between bones and facilitate movement. They can tear due to sharp turns or sudden stops.
• Achilles Tendon Injuries: Sports requiring running or jumping place excessive strain on the Achilles tendon, leading to injuries.
• Hamstring Tears: The hamstring muscles, located at the back of the thigh, are prone to injury during rapid running.

What Are the Most Common Sports Injuries in Our Country?

In Turkey, the most frequent injuries involve the ankle, knee, and shoulder. Among young athletes, ankle injuries are the most common and are usually minor. Knee and shoulder injuries follow in prevalence.

What Are the Most Common Sports Injuries Among Young People?

As children grow, hormonal balances shift, and structural differences between males and females become evident in adulthood. For instance, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are 3-6 times more common in females than in males. This difference is attributed to anatomical, hormonal, and improper exercise guidance factors. The ACL is crucial for stabilizing the knee, and its injury can lead to future complications, often requiring surgery. Such injuries can disrupt an individual’s social, school, and sports life for 6-8 months. Educating athletes about prevention is essential.

Everything Should Be Done in Moderation

Young people need to be educated. Reckless participation in sports is harmful. In team sports, preparing athletes while considering gender differences is crucial. For example, the knee injuries frequently observed in females can be prevented by strengthening the posterior muscle groups. A young basketball player should learn proper jumping and landing techniques—skills that are often overlooked.
Even metal has a limit to its durability; if you bend it a thousand times, it will break. The same principle applies to our knees and shoulders. If your weightlifting limit is 20 kg, attempting to lift 65 kg will cause serious problems in the future. Similarly, pushing through pain should be avoided, and coaches must refrain from overexerting athletes.

One of the Most Common Injuries Is Shoulder Injury

Shoulder injuries are more common in female swimmers and volleyball players. These injuries can be mitigated through specialized training and self-care by the patient.

Stop When There’s Pain!

Pain is the body’s most important warning sign. Persisting despite pain can lead to chronic injuries.

Educating Athletes, Coaches, and Parents

In our country, there is a misconception that being a good athlete guarantees a successful life. Parents often view their children as future stars, imposing excessive expectations. This lack of awareness places undue pressure on children.

What to Do When an Athlete Is Injured?

This depends on the athlete’s age, the nature of the injury, and their expectations from sports. For football, volleyball, and basketball players, the motivation to return to the field within three weeks is high. Time away from the field means losing income and fitness.
Despite advancements in technology, biological healing times remain unchanged. Even the world’s best football player cannot return to the field before six months if their ACL is torn. During treatment, we address the needs of the athlete, their coach, and their family.

Recommendations for Parents

If your child suffers a sports injury, such as a sprained ankle or a swollen knee, here’s what you should do:

• Don’t let them walk or jump.
• Apply ice.
• Wrap the injured area with a bandage.
• Elevate the injured limb.
• Consult a doctor immediately—waiting for symptoms to worsen is not advisable. Professional medical advice is essential to prevent permanent damage.

Use the Right Equipment for Your Sport

“If you’re going to exercise, make sure you have the right equipment for your chosen activity. Inappropriate shoes, tennis rackets, bicycles, terrains, or artificial grass can all contribute to injuries.”
I always advise my patients to replace their sports shoes annually. This is because shoes need to have sufficient shock-absorbing properties and must be suitable for the specific sport. For instance, basketball shoes differ from tennis shoes, which differ from running shoes.

Prepare Yourself Before Exercising

Warming up is crucial, especially for individuals over 40. Stretching is equally important to prevent tendon tears, which can lead to surgeries. The main cause is starting physical activity without proper preparation.

Post-Exercise Sauna and Steam Baths Are Not Ideal

After exercise, avoid saunas or steam baths. These can exacerbate fluid and electrolyte loss, leading to serious health issues. Instead, take a sauna session on a different day.

Nutrition for Athletes

Supplements like muscle-building or performance-enhancing substances classified as doping are harmful to the human body. Excessive protein intake, while necessary for certain sports like bodybuilding, can strain the kidneys and liver over time. Such practices must be undertaken under professional supervision.

Combat Osteoporosis with Exercise

Women, in particular, start losing minerals after the age of 30, and the best remedy for osteoporosis is physical activity. Bones retain calcium only when they are subjected to stress; inactivity leads to calcium loss. Therefore, regular exercise is essential after age 30.

Tips for Office Workers

• Avoid sitting for eight hours straight. Stand up and move for 5-10 minutes every hour.
• Use ergonomic chairs and lumbar support.
• Position your computer directly in front of you.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

Dr. Muhsin Ayrancı
Osteopathy Specialist