Sports

Specialist in treating patients with sporting injuries

International Olympic Committee Diploma in Sports Medicine

Ankle

Ankle twist (acute/chronic), ankle pain while walking/playing sport.

Knee

Ligament tear, meniscal tear, cartilage lesion, pain in the knee, locking of the knee.

Muscle

Strain or tears of the muscles of the lower and upper limb.

Tendon

Rupture, inflammation or degeneration of the tendon.

Ankle

Ankle twist (acute/chronic), ankle pain while walking/playing sport.

Overview

Ankle instability is a condition where the outer (lateral) side of the ankle frequently gives way. This is often a result of repeated ankle sprains that weaken or stretch the ligaments.

Causes

Injury to the Lateral Ankle Ligaments: Commonly occurs from ankle sprains, which strain or stretch the ligaments.
Chronic Ankle Instability: Develops when an ankle injury fails to heal properly within six weeks, resulting in the ankle's inability to maintain its mechanical stability

Symptoms

Treatment

Treatment options vary based on the severity of the condition:

Non-Surgical:
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the ankle and improve balance.
- Bracing: Using an ankle brace to provide support.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
Surgical: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct damaged ligaments

Frequent turning of the ankle, especially on uneven surfaces or during activities.
Persistent discomfort and swelling.
Pain and tenderness along the outside of the ankle.
A feeling of instability or wobbliness.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: Checking for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.
Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be used to assess the extent of ligament damage and rule out other injuries

Overview

Anterior ankle impingement, sometimes referred to as "footballer's ankle," is a condition characterized by pain and discomfort at the front of the ankle. This condition involves the pinching or compression of tissues—either soft (like synovial tissue) or bony (such as bone spurs)—in the anterior part of the ankle joint.

Causes

Repetitive Stress: Often seen in athletes who perform activities requiring frequent ankle dorsiflexion (e.g., football, ballet).
Injury: Trauma or sprains can lead to bony growths or soft tissue inflammation.

Symptoms

Treatment

Conservative: Rest, ice, and physical therapy to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
Surgical: In cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary to remove bony spurs or repair damaged tissues.

Pain: Located at the front of the ankle, especially during activities that involve dorsiflexion.
Swelling: Inflammation around the ankle joint.
Stiffness: Reduced range of motion in the ankle.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: Assessment of symptoms and range of motion.
Imaging: X-rays or MRI to identify bony growths or soft tissue abnormalities.

Treatment

Conservative: Rest, physical therapy, and medications to reduce inflammation.
Surgical: Options include arthroscopy to remove loose fragments or repair the damaged cartilage

Talar OCD

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the talus, also known as osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT), is a condition where a section of bone and cartilage in the talar dome (part of the ankle joint) becomes damaged. This can result in pain, swelling, and joint instability.

Causes

Trauma: Direct injury to the ankle, often from sports or accidents.
Repetitive Stress: Overuse or repetitive strain on the ankle joint.

Symptoms

Pain: Typically felt in the ankle, worsening with activity.
Swelling: Around the ankle joint.
Locking or Catching: The joint may feel unstable or may lock up during movement

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: Checking for pain, swelling, and range of motion issues.
Imaging: X-rays or MRI to visualize the extent of the lesion and bone/cartilage damage

Treatment

Conservative: Rest, ice, compression, elevation (R.I.C.E.), and physical therapy to strengthen the tendon and improve flexibility.
Surgical: Required for complete ruptures or cases that do not improve with conservative measures. Surgery aims to repair the torn tendon.

Tendoachilles Injury

A tendoachilles injury refers to damage to the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This injury can range from tendinitis to a complete rupture.

Types:

Achilles Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon due to overuse or strain.
Achilles Tendon Rupture: A complete tear of the tendon, often occurring during sudden, forceful movements.

Symptoms

Pain: Above the heel, especially when stretching the ankle or standing on tiptoes.
Swelling: Around the heel or lower leg.
Weakness: Difficulty pointing the toes or performing activities requiring calf muscle strength.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: Assessing pain, swelling, and functional impairment.
Imaging: Ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury

Knee

Ligament tear, meniscal tear, cartilage lesion, pain in the knee, locking of the knee.

Treatment

Treatment for an ACL tear can be both surgical and non-surgical:

Non-Surgical: Rest, physical therapy, and braces might be recommended for less active individuals or minor tears.
Surgical: ACL reconstruction surgery is often recommended for athletes or those with significant knee instability. This involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft.

Recovery

Recovery from an ACL injury varies but generally includes:

Post-surgery physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.
Gradual return to activity, typically taking about 6-9 months.
Commitment to a structured rehabilitation program is crucial for successful recovery.

Overview

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize your knee joint. An ACL tear is a common injury, especially among athletes who engage in sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or jumping.

Causes

ACL injuries typically occur when:

You suddenly slow down and change direction (cutting).
You pivot with your foot firmly planted.
You land awkwardly from a jump.
You experience a direct blow to the knee, such as a football tackle.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of an ACL tear include:

A loud "pop" or a "popping" sensation in the knee.
Severe pain and inability to continue activity.
Rapid swelling.
Loss of range of motion.
A feeling of instability or "giving way" with weight-bearing.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an ACL tear typically involves:

Physical examination to check for knee instability.
Imaging tests such as MRI or X-rays to confirm the injury and rule out other damage.

Types of Knee Cartilage Injuries

Articular Cartilage Damage: This type affects the smooth cartilage covering the ends of bones in the joint, leading to pain and limited mobility.
Meniscus Tears: The menisci are two pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers between the thigh bone and shin bone. Tears are common in sports and can cause locking, pain, and swelling.

Symptoms

Pain: Especially during weight-bearing activities.
Swelling: Often immediate and can persist.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee.
Catching or Locking Sensation: The knee might get stuck or feel unstable.

Overview

Knee cartilage injuries are common and can lead to significant pain, inflammation, and functional impairment. The cartilage in the knee serves as a cushion between the bones, enabling smooth movement and absorbing impact.

Causes

Trauma: Sudden impacts, such as those from pivoting sports or deep knee bends, can damage knee cartilage.
Degeneration: Over time, wear and tear can degrade the cartilage, leading to injuries without a specific traumatic event

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive history and physical examination, often supplemented by advanced imaging techniques such as MRI to accurately identify the extent of cartilage damage

Treatment

Non-Surgical:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing activities that cause pain.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve joint function.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and swelling.
- Injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections for pain relief and improved joint function.
Surgical:
- Microfracture Surgery: Creating small fractures in the bone to stimulate cartilage growth.
- Cartilage Transplantation: Replacing damaged cartilage with healthy cartilage from another part of the knee or a donor.
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery to remove or repair damaged cartilage

Overview

A meniscal tear is a common knee injury, especially among athletes. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Each knee has two menisci, one on the inner side (medial meniscus) and one on the outer side (lateral meniscus).

Causes

Meniscal tears typically occur due to:

Twisting or rotating the knee, often during sports.
Sudden stops or turns.
Heavy lifting or deep squatting.
Degenerative changes in the knee joint, especially in older adults.

Treatment

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

Pain and swelling.
Stiffness and difficulty straightening the knee.
A popping sensation during the injury.
Locking or catching of the knee.
A feeling of the knee giving way.

Treatment options depend on the severity and location of the tear:

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): For minor tears to reduce pain and swelling.
Physical Therapy: To strengthen the muscles around the knee and restore function.
Medications: Pain relievers like NSAIDs to manage pain and inflammation.
Surgery: Arthroscopic surgery may be necessary for severe tears to repair or remove the damaged meniscus.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves:

Physical examination to check for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
Imaging tests such as MRI to confirm the tear and assess its severity.

Recovery

Recovery varies based on the treatment approach:

Conservative Treatment: A few weeks to a couple of months.
Surgical Treatment: Several months, including rehabilitation exercises.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

Regular exercise to strengthen leg muscles.
Proper warm-up and stretching before activities.
Using correct techniques in sports and lifting.

Overview

Patellar instability, also known as patellar dislocation or subluxation, occurs when the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position in the patellofemoral groove of the thigh bone. This can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.

Causes

Trauma: Sudden impact or injury, often during sports.
Anatomical Factors: Abnormal alignment or structure of the knee joint, including a shallow groove or weak ligaments.
Repetitive Stress: Overuse or repeated stress on the knee can contribute

Sypmtoms

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: Assessing knee alignment and stability.
Imaging: X-rays or MRI to evaluate the extent of the instability and any associated damage.

Pain: Often sharp and immediate, particularly when the knee is moved or touched.
Swelling: Around the kneecap and sometimes the entire knee.
Instability: A feeling that the knee might "give out" or buckle.
Locking or Catching: The knee may feel like it’s stuck or unable to move properly

Treatment

Conservative: Includes rest, ice, compression, elevation (R.I.C.E.), and physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve knee stability.
Surgical: May be necessary for severe cases or if conservative treatments fail. Surgery might involve realigning the patella or repairing damaged structures.

Overview

Knee ligament injuries are common and can affect anyone, from athletes to those with active lifestyles. The knee has four main ligaments that provide stability: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

Causes

Knee ligament injuries often occur due to:

Sudden stops or changes in direction.
Direct impact to the knee.
Twisting or hyperextending the knee.
Sports activities that involve jumping and landing.

Treatment

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

Pain and swelling.
Instability or a feeling of the knee giving way.
Limited range of motion.
A popping sound at the time of injury.

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury:

Rest and Ice: Initial treatment to reduce pain and swelling.
Physical Therapy: Strengthening and flexibility exercises to restore function.
Bracing: To provide support and stability.
Surgery: Required for severe tears, especially ACL injuries, involving reconstruction using a tendon graft.

Recovery

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

Physical examination to assess the knee’s stability and range of motion.
Imaging tests like MRI or X-rays to determine the extent of the injury and rule out fractures.

Recovery times vary:

Mild Injuries: Few weeks with conservative treatment.
Severe Injuries: Several months, especially if surgery is involved, followed by extensive rehabilitation.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

Regular strength and flexibility exercises.
Proper technique in sports.
Wearing appropriate protective gear.
Adequate warm-up before activities.

Muscle

Strain or tears of the muscles of the lower and upper limb.

Common Lower Limb Muscle Injuries

Muscle Strains: Occur when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn, commonly affecting the hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf muscles.
Muscle Contusions: Caused by direct impact or trauma, leading to bruising and damage to muscle fibers and fascia.
Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome: Involves pain and inflammation of the ITB, often due to repetitive movements such as running or cycling.
Adductor Strains: Affect the muscles of the inner thigh, often occurring in sports that involve sudden changes in direction.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the muscles, tendons, and bones, particularly in the hip and knee areas.

Symptoms

Pain: Localized to the affected area, which may increase with movement.
Swelling: In the injured region.
Bruising: Particularly with contusions.
Muscle Weakness: Reduced strength in the affected limb.
Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the affected joint or muscle fully

Lower Limb Muscle Injuries

Lower limb muscle injuries are prevalent in sports and can significantly impact athletic performance and recovery time. These injuries can result from overuse, acute trauma, or a combination of both.

Treatment and Management

Rest: Essential for recovery, avoiding activities that exacerbate the injury.
Ice: Applied to reduce swelling and pain.
Compression: Using bandages or wraps to minimize swelling.
Elevation: Keeping the injured limb raised to reduce swelling.
Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to restore function and prevent recurrence.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation.

Prevention

Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Ensuring muscles are adequately prepared for activity.
Strength and Flexibility Training: Regular exercises to enhance muscle resilience.
Correct Technique: Using proper form during sports activities to reduce stress on muscles

Tendon

Rupture, inflammation or degeneration of the tendon.

Overview

A patellar tendon rupture is a complete tear of the tendon connecting the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shinbone). This injury impairs the knee's ability to extend fully.

Causes

Acute Injury: Often occurs during activities involving sudden jumps or direct trauma to the knee.
Chronic Weakening: Conditions like tendonitis can predispose individuals to rupture.

Symptoms

Pain: Severe pain below the kneecap.
Swelling: Immediate swelling in the knee.
Inability to Straighten Leg: Difficulty or inability to extend the leg fully.

Diagnosis

Physical Exam: Assessment of symptoms and knee function.
Imaging: MRI or ultrasound may be used to confirm the rupture.

Treatment

Non-Surgical: Bracing and physical therapy might be used for partial tears or in non-active individuals.
Surgical: Tendon repair surgery is often required for complete ruptures to restore knee function.

Overview

A quadriceps tendon rupture is a serious injury involving the complete tear of the tendon connecting the quadriceps muscle to the patella (kneecap). It typically affects individuals over 40 years old and is often caused by a sudden, forceful contraction of the quadriceps muscle, such as during a jump or a fall.

Causes

Acute Injury: Often results from trauma or sudden, forceful movement.
Chronic Weakening: Can be related to age-related tendon degeneration or underlying conditions like tendinitis

Symptoms

Pain: Severe pain at the front of the knee.
Swelling: Immediate swelling and bruising around the knee.
Inability to Extend Leg: Difficulty or inability to straighten the leg fully.

Diagnosis

Physical Exam: Assessment of symptoms and knee function.
Imaging: MRI or ultrasound is used to confirm the rupture.

Treatment

Non-Surgical: Rarely used; may involve bracing and physical therapy for partial tears or in non-active individuals.
Surgical: Tendon repair surgery is often required to restore knee function and is typically recommended for complete ruptures.