Sports Injuries

Sports injuries encompass a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions that occur as a result of sporting activity, exercise, or physical training. They can affect bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, and may result from a single acute event or from repetitive loading over time. Prompt and accurate diagnosis, followed by appropriate management, is essential to optimise recovery and enable a safe return to sport.

Types of Sports Injuries

Acute Injuries occur suddenly during activity and include:

• Ligament sprains and tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, ankle ligaments)
• Muscle and tendon strains and tears
• Fractures and dislocations
• Cartilage injuries (meniscus tears, chondral lesions)
• Shoulder dislocation and labral tears
• Achilles tendon rupture

Overuse Injuries develop gradually from repetitive stress and include:

• Tendinopathy (e.g., patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy)
• Stress fractures
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Shin splints
• Bursitis

Commonly Affected Areas

• Knee: ACL tears, meniscus injuries, patellar tendinopathy, cartilage damage
• Shoulder: Rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, instability, AC joint sprains
• Ankle and foot: Ankle ligament sprains, Achilles tendon injuries, stress fractures
• Hamstrings and hip: Muscle tears, hip flexor injuries

Principles of Sports Injury Management

Effective management begins with an accurate diagnosis through clinical assessment and appropriate imaging. Treatment is then tailored to the specific injury, the patient's sport and level of participation, and their recovery goals.

Non-Surgical Management
Most sports injuries are managed initially without surgery. This includes rest, load modification, physiotherapy for rehabilitation, pain management, and a structured return-to-sport programme. Biologic therapies such as PRP may be considered for certain tendon or joint conditions.

Surgical Management
Surgery is indicated when structural damage requires repair or reconstruction to restore function and stability. Arthroscopic techniques are used wherever possible to minimise tissue disruption and support a faster recovery.

Relevant procedures include ACL Reconstruction, Meniscus Repair, Rotator Cuff Repair, Bankart Repair, Achilles Tendon Repair, and Ankle Arthroscopy.

Return to Sport

Return to sport should be based on functional and clinical criteria rather than time alone. A graduated return-to-sport programme, developed with the physiotherapy team, ensures the athlete is adequately prepared and reduces the risk of re-injury.

Why Choose Dr. Raja Nadar for Sports Injuries?

Dr. Raja Nadar has specialised fellowship training in arthroscopy of the knee and shoulder, with experience managing a broad range of sports-related musculoskeletal conditions. His training at leading institutions and academic work in sports orthopaedics reflect his commitment to providing high-quality, athlete-centred care.