Top 5 Sports Injuries: Symptoms & Treatments

1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

An ACL tear is a serious knee injury commonly seen in sports that involve sudden stops, pivots, or directional changes, such as football, basketball, and rugby.

Symptoms:

• A "popping" sensation at the time of injury
• Sudden knee swelling and severe pain
• Limited range of motion
• Instability or the feeling of the knee giving way

Treatment:

MRI imaging is commonly used to confirm the diagnosis. Non-surgical management includes bracing and physiotherapy. However, severe or complete tears often require ACL reconstruction surgery, which may be performed using minimally invasive arthroscopy.

Learn more here: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury and Reconstruction

2. Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are overstretched or torn, typically due to twisting or rolling the ankle. These injuries are especially common in sports that involve running, jumping, or quick lateral movements.

Symptoms:

• Swelling, bruising, and tenderness
• Instability or a feeling of the ankle giving way
• Pain during walking or bearing weight

Treatment:

Mild sprains can be managed with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and physiotherapy. For recurrent sprains or ligament instability, surgical intervention may be required.

Learn more here: Ankle Sprain Treatments in Singapore

3. Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries involve damage to the muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder. They often result from repetitive overhead motions and are frequently seen in sports like swimming, golf, or weightlifting.

Symptoms:

• Shoulder pain, especially when lifting or rotating the arm
• Weakness or fatigue in the shoulder
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty sleeping on the affected side

Treatment:

Conservative treatments for rotator cuff injuries include anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy. Full-thickness tears often require arthroscopic shoulder repair.

4. Meniscus Tears

A meniscus tear refers to damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. It usually occurs from twisting movements or direct impact and is common in contact sports or those requiring frequent pivoting, such as football and rugby.

Symptoms:

• Pain, especially during twisting or squatting
• Swelling or stiffness
• Locking, catching, or instability in the knee
• Difficulty fully straightening the leg

Treatment:

Meniscus injuries are diagnosed with a physical examination and, in most cases, an MRI. Depending on severity, treatment ranges from physiotherapy to arthroscopic meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy.

Learn more here: Meniscus Tears

5. Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that affects the tendons in the forearm. It is typically caused by repetitive wrist extension and gripping and is most often associated with racket sports and repetitive arm activities.

Symptoms:

• Pain on the outer part of the elbow
• Weakened grip strength
• Discomfort during gripping or wrist movements

Treatment:

Initial treatment may include rest, bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, and physiotherapy. For persistent cases, treatment options include shockwave therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and, in rare cases, surgery.