Sports Injury Treatment Dubai
Sports injuries may be sustained by athletes in any part of the body during sports-related activity including training and competition. Dr Rik is one of very few sports injury doctor in Dubai who have a practice focussed on treating knee problems.
These injuries are commonly acute but may develop over time due to overuse.
The most common sports injuries occur around the limbs and joints due to sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations. The knee especially is highly susceptible to such injuries in sports athletes.
Common Knee Injuries In Athletes
Athletes involved in sports like running, football, basketball, etc., are prone to knee joint injury because of the abrupt stops, twists, and turns they involve. If not a sudden injury, the intense training and games that require overuse of the joint can cause different knee parts to suffer wear and tear. The following are some of the most common knee injuries for which athletes may seek sports injury treatment Dubai.
The patella (kneecap) bone sits on the front of the knee joint and is not attached to any other bone directly, so it can easily dislocate due to external impact or trauma. If the pressure exerted on the bone is significant, it can suffer a fracture or dislocation.
The knee joint is said to have dislocated when one or all bones that form the joint move out of their setting. It most commonly occurs during vehicular accidents, in which case it is referred to as ‘high-velocity’ dislocation. But if the dislocations occur due to sports accidents or leg twisting, it is referred to as ‘low-velocity’ dislocation.
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs present around joints to prevent friction, slippage, and scraping of soft tissues during movement. The knee comprises multiple bursae sacs around the joint. Bursitis is the inflammation of these sacs caused by overuse or direct trauma to the area.
The patellar tendon is a band of fibrous tissue that connects the kneecap to the front of the shin bone (tibia). Overuse of the knee can cause minor tears in this band, especially in sports that involve jumping, like volleyball and basketball. This condition is known as patellar tendonitis or jumper’s knee.
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage layer present within the knee and acts to absorb shocks and vibrations caused by sudden movements and loads. Menisci can be prone to minor tears and strains in running and pivoting sports athletes. Meniscal problems are amongst the most common knee injuries treated by sports injury doctor Dubai.
Common Symptoms In Knee Sports Injuries
Accurate diagnosis of sports knee injury requires evaluation of symptoms and a detailed clinical examination from a sports injury surgeon in Dubai. Some of the symptoms that athletes should look out for.
- Localised knee pain in the medial or lateral side
- Locking, popping, and clicking sounds or sensations
- Intermittent swelling with or without pain
- Bruising around the knee
- Laxity or giving way of the joint
- Inability to put weight on the affected joint due to pain
- Knee buckling toward the outside
- Pain triggered by jumping, landing, running or prolonged sitting
Advanced Sports Injury Treatment Dubai For Knee
Conservative Treatment Options Include:
Minor knee injuries tend to recover with conservative methods, which include:
The RICE Method
In the first 48 to 72 hours, you must rest your knees and apply frequent ice packs to reduce swelling. You must sleep with your knees elevated above your heart’s level.
Pain Medications
You can find different over-the-counter painkillers containing paracetamol and ibuprofen. However, it is advised to consult a physician before you take them.
Physiotherapy
For significant injuries, therapeutic exercises combined with rest are often the first line of treatment. These are performed under a trained physiotherapist’s guidance and focus on improving joint mobility along with joint muscle strength.
Most minor to moderate knee injuries recover within a few weeks of this treatment course. And if the symptoms aren’t relieved, Dr Rik, Sports injury doctor Dubai may suggest further investigations and treatment to address the ongoing problem.
Sports Injury Treatment Dubai -Surgical Treatment Options
Dr Rik specialises in utilising minimally invasive knee surgeries like knee arthroscopy for sports injury treatment Dubai. Knee arthroscopy is usually performed to repair torn ligaments, tendons and cartilage. Some of the common arthroscopic surgeries he performs are:
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscectomy
- Knee Tendon Repair
- Articular Cartilage Repair
An athlete’s need for faster recovery and long term joint preservation are always considered when advising on treatment options.
In his more than 19 years of clinical experience, he has helped several professional and high-level athletes continue their careers after knee injury through comprehensive and conservative care.
Sports Injury FAQ
A sports injury is caused by an impact, accident, improper equipment, lack of conditioning, or insufficient warm-up and stretching. While the injury may impact any body part, the knee is the most vulnerable in sports athletes.
The most common sports injuries are:
- Sprains and strains
- Swollen muscles
- Knee injuries
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Pain along the shin bone
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Dislocations
Arthritis is more common in older people, but sports injuries can raise your risk of early-onset arthritis. Sports injuries or frequent falls can trigger arthritis and are termed post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Sports injuries like torn cartilage, dislocated joints, or ligament injuries are the major ones. In addition, trauma to the knee, like tears or ACL strains, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Consult Dr Rik for sports injury treatment Dubai.
Orthopaedic sports medicine doctors diagnose, treat, and manage musculoskeletal problems. Initially, a primary care sports medicine doctor, a physician, checks the injury and then recommends a surgeon if required.
An orthopaedic surgeon should be a physician who has completed an orthopedic surgery residency. This residency prepares a physician to diagnose, treat, and surgically repair musculoskeletal injuries. The physician may also pursue a surgical sports medicine fellowship (one to two years), providing additional training and expertise for the surgical techniques for sports injuries.
For faster recovery from your sports injury:
- Rest your muscles
- Practice cold therapy
- Stretch and stay loose under supervision
- Stay hydrated
- Nourish yourself with a healthy diet
- Follow the doctor’s instructions
You should see a doctor if you have a mild to a moderate sports injury that hasn’t improved after a week of rest and home treatment. But you should consult a doctor immediately if you feel the following symptoms:
- Swelling of a joint, such as a knee or elbow
- Inability to bear weight on back, hand, or leg
- Tingling sensation
- Numbness
When an injury hurts after resting and taking primary care, you should make an appointment with your sports medicine physician. For knee injuries, consult a specialist knee surgeon with expertise in joint preservation and complex knee disorders.
Consult a doctor for an appropriate treatment regime. The injury heals faster by reducing inflammation through ice packs and medicine. Include essential fatty acids in your diet, maintain optimum vitamin D levels, and reduce sugar intake.
Disclaimer
All content and media on this page are created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Meet Dr. Rik personally for appropriate medical diagnosis and advice.
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