Sports injuries

Overview

Putting too much strain on bones, joints, ligaments and muscles can lead to sports injuries, which primarily manifest themselves as noticeable pain. Minor injuries can be treated in accordance with the RICE guidelines.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Pain
• Swelling, redness
• Bruising (haematoma)
  

A few selected injuries

• Minor injuries to the muscle cause muscle soreness, which is more pronounced in pulled muscles and causes bleeding in muscle strains
• When an ankle is sprained, the ligaments on the inside or outside of the foot can be stretched or torn
• In the knee, the cruciate ligaments, lateral/medial collateral ligaments or menisci can tear
• Bone fractures, depending on the location and type of injury
  

Causes and treatment

Causes

Sports injuries are caused by putting too much strain on the bones, joints, ligaments or muscles. Sometimes an unfortunate angle is enough to cause an injury, even if there is little or no strain.

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

The precise injury can usually be diagnosed by a careful examination of the injured body part.

Possible tests

• Ultrasound (sonography)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Possible therapies

• Painkillers
• Immobilisation, plaster cast
• Physiotherapy
• Operation
  

What can I do myself?

For minor sports injuries, apply the RICE guidelines:

• Rest: immediately stop the sporting activity
• Ice: cool the ankle by applying ice or a cool pack (be careful not to apply directly to the skin)
• Compression: exert pressure with an elastic bandage
• Elevate the injured area

Don't use warming treatments (creams, baths, saunas, etc.) for at least 24 hours.

When to see a doctor?

• Very severe pain which doesn't improve
• Large bruises (haematomas)
• Impossible to move