Dr. Carlos Rebollón
Sports Injury Specialist in Panama
Experts in this field are responsible for assisting, diagnosing, managing, and treating various issues that may arise from sports activities, most of which are musculoskeletal in nature.
The primary goals when dealing with a sports injury are the prompt recovery of the affected area and preventive follow-up to avoid future injury incidence.
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Sports injuries
Athletes, both in their daily practice and throughout their sports careers, are always susceptible to injuries. This is mainly due to muscle fatigue or overuse of the body’s structures, which are constantly subjected to physical activity.
If we look at the numbers, it is estimated that 30% of athlete injuries directly affect the muscles, making muscle injuries the most prevalent. The other significant portion of bone injuries is traumatic in origin. While a significant portion of bone injuries is traumatic in origin.
TYPES OF SPORTS INJURIES
The most common sports injuries are associated with the musculoskeletal system, which includes ligaments, bones, joints, muscles, and tendons, primarily located in the knees, ankles, shoulders, and elbows.
Expanding further on the topic, we will now provide more information on these injuries…
OVERUSE INJURIES:
As mentioned earlier, wear and tear caused by muscle fatigue tops the list of the most common injuries. These injuries are generally due to improper techniques during physical activity, lack of stretching exercises, warm-up and cool-down exercises, as well as intense training that requires increased muscle tension to achieve a specific speed or distance.
These actions lead athletes and amateur sports enthusiasts to experience acute injuries, muscle pain, cramps, sprains, strains, tears, elongations, ruptures, sprains, and even stress fractures or overload fractures.
TRAUMA INJURIES:
Sports involving direct contact, such as hockey, rugby, wrestling, boxing, and martial arts, are prone to causing traumas and other consequences, including lacerations, bruises, dislocations, hematomas, and fractures.
MOST COMMON SPORTS INJURIES
No sport is the same as another; each has its own techniques and characteristics, making the field of sports medicine extensive and encompassing different areas of the body. However, here is a top 5 list of the most common sports injuries we encounter in our clinic:
Sprains
Sports activities and even daily tasks can cause ligament sprains, which are tears or stretches in the ligaments due to improper movement in the ankle, wrist, or knee.
Tears:
Tears are caused by ruptures in the muscle fibers. The muscles of the lower limbs (quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius) are often the most affected and prone to injury incidence.
Tendinitis
Tendinopathies are characterized by inflammation in the tendon due to prolonged micro-tearing in the tendon tissue. The most common tendinitis affects the patellar tendon in the knee, the epicondyle in the elbow, the Achilles tendon near the ankle area, or the supraspinatus tendon in the shoulder.
Cramps
Muscle spasms that occur due to muscle hyperactivity, muscle fatigue, and dehydration during exercise. However, if cramps occur frequently, the patient should be evaluated to rule out other pathologies such as vascular or endocrine diseases.
Fractures
Fractures are one of the most complicated sports injuries, as severe cases may require surgery, while mild cases necessitate immobilization, rest, and recovery, forcing the athlete to suspend their activities for some time.
SPORTS INJURY PREVENTION IN PANAMA
To reduce the risk of sports injuries, it is essential to implement measures that increase exercise safety during training. Athletes should perform appropriate stretching and warm-up exercises before each practice, stay hydrated at all times, and take the time to perform the corresponding cool-down exercises after finishing.
Another aspect to consider is the use of proper sports equipment, which is crucial for preventing muscle or bone injuries. For example, runners and marathoners need to wear special sports shoes or insoles that provide support and offer greater protection to the areas of the foot that endure impact. Football players use shin guards, and in boxing, fighters must be equipped with gloves, mouthguards, among other protective gear. Soccer players use shin guards, and boxers must be equipped with gloves, mouthguards, among other protective gear.
GENERAL TREATMENT OF SPORTS INJURIES IN PANAMA
The initial question when facing a sports injury is, “How long until I can resume my activity?” The answer depends on the type and severity of the injury.
As an initial treatment, doctors often apply the PRICE method (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). This is done to reduce any internal bleeding, prevent further inflammation, and avoid a more severe injury.
Prescription of pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections is also common to alleviate intense pain and associated discomfort. Once the affected area has healed, rehabilitation follows, which involves exercises (either at home or professionally) focused on mobility, strengthening, and conditioning to facilitate a gradual return to sports activity.
Common Causes of Sports Injuries
The main causes of sports injuries can include poor technique or posture during training, muscle fatigue, overload or overtraining, lack of warm-up exercises before engaging in sports activities, as well as muscle imbalances or weakness in certain areas of the body. Injuries can also occur due to traumas such as falls or collisions with other players or teams.
Who Can Experience a Sports Injury?
Anyone, from high-performance athletes to those engaged in recreational exercise or amateur sports, is susceptible to sports injuries. Sports injuries are common in various sports and physical activities and can occur at any age.
Children and adolescents can also experience sports injuries, especially when playing team sports. Additionally, individuals who are not physically fit or have pre-existing conditions or previous injuries may have a higher likelihood of experiencing a sports injury.
How to Know if You Have a Sports Injury?
There are several common signs to determine if you have a sports injury, including localized and persistent pain, swelling, muscle weakness, difficulty moving, and sensitivity or intense pain when touching the injured area.
If you experience any of these symptoms after exercising or engaging in physical activity, it is important to rest and avoid further damage. If the symptoms persist, seeking medical attention is recommended to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Which Specialist Should You Consult?
A sports injury specialist is the medical professional who can provide an accurate and personalized diagnosis and effective treatment to prevent the worsening of the injury and ensure a complete recovery.
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Don’t ignore the symptoms of a possible sports injury. Get specialized help from Dr. Rebollón right away!
