Sports Injuries
What is Sports Medicine?
Sports medicine is a multidisciplinary field integrating expertise from different specialties, including orthopaedics, cardiopulmonary medicine, sports psychology, physiotherapy, sports nutrition, sports training and prosthetics and orthotics. Through ongoing research into various sports-related issues, it aims to prevent injuries, improve health and quality of life.
The range of services provided by a sports medicine centre typically covers:
- Treatment for sports injury
- Rehabilitation after sports injury
- Education on preventing sports injuries
- Training to enhance sports performance
- Body-building for athletes
- To deal with the psychological needs of athletes
- Research on sports performance
- To treat and prevent illness through exercise
- Diet and nutrition advice for athletes
- Development of equipment and skills to enhance sports performance
Our Professionals
Our orthopaedic specialists manage musculoskeletal diseases or injuries of the limbs. Many surgeries can now be performed using endoscopes and minimally invasive technology, which cause less operative trauma. These less invasive surgeries include anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the knee and stabilisation of the shoulder joint for recurrent shoulder dislocation.
ustomised appliances are provided by our prosthetist-orthotist to speed up the recovery of injured joints or muscles.
Our cardiologists can assess individuals’ fitness for sports using different tests, including non-invasive tests such as standard electrocardiograms, echocardiograms or exercise treadmill stress tests.
Fitness assessment tests can be carried out by our physiotherapists to evaluate cardiorespiratory status, muscular endurance, flexibility and agility for individuals in designing an effective and safe exercise programme. Personal trainers will offer instruction and advice on proper exercise positions to enhance sports performance. A rehabilitation service is also provided.
Our dietitians assess the nutritional status of individuals and provide dietary consultations. Diet suggestions will be given to help improve sports performance.
What is Sports Injury?
Sports injuries are injuries that occur to athletes during sporting activities. According to statistics, there are 250,000 cases of anterior cruciate ligament tears induced by sports in the United States every year. In Canada, there are 16,000 cases of sports injuries on young people aged from five to sixteen annually. Sports injury is also commonly seen in Hong Kong.
There are two major causes of sports injuries. The first is accidents, typically due to lack of knowledge, poor training or improper equipment. Second is the overuse of certain parts of the body caused by insufficient warmups, lack of stretching or prolonged exercises. A repetitive strain injury can occur if this persists.
Most sports injuries involve the musculoskeletal system, which includes skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles and tendons. The severity of the injuries can vary from a mild sprain to ligament tears or even fractures.
If you suffer an injury, immediate first aid measures help. One of the most important acronyms to remember is R.I.C.E. – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Rest is vital to protect the injured body part. You can apply Ice bags or cold packs to cool the injured area for pain relief. It also limits swelling by reducing blood flow to the injured area. Compression limits swelling and provides pain relief, while Elevation of the injured part reduces swelling.
Always consult a doctor for a thorough examination and proper treatment of the injury.
Children's Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are not limited to adults; they can also affect children of all ages.
Active children are prone to sports injuries
Children aged 4 to 5 are naturally energetic and love to run, jump and play. A favourite spot is the playground, where they can explore and have fun. However, it’s important to note that playground injuries are common in this age group. Children may get hurt while using swings, seesaws or the monkey bars – a particularly frequent accident. These often lead to fractures of the elbow and wrist, making them one of the most frequent playground-related injuries.
See a doctor immediately if you suspect a bone fracture
Often unaware of dangers while playing, children are prone to suffering sports injuries. Elbows are particularly vulnerable when a child hits the ground. Forehead bruising and knee abrasions are also common.
A child's skeleton is different from an adult's in ligament elasticity and flexibility. Consequently, it is usually the bones that fail to withstand crushing on contact with the ground during a fall, causing a fracture to occur.
Your child may have fractured a bone if their limbs are swollen or they are reluctant to move. Consult a doctor as soon as these tell-tale signs are observed.
Beware of Rugby Fingers
In most ball games such as basketball and volleyball, the ball size is far larger than a child's hand in proportion. The forceful impact upon contact may cause fractures in the bones of fingers ("Rugby Finger"). If your child suffers a finger injury during games, seek medical treatment immediately.
As a preventive measure, wrap their fingers with elastic and protective bandage before games.
Prevention is always better than cure
No matter how advanced medical treatments and rehabilitation might be, they cannot safeguard the delicate musculoskeletal system of children. Equipment such as wristbands, knee braces and bike helmets can play a crucial role in preventing injuries when playing games.
Types of Sports and Related Injuries
How to Prevent Sports Injury
Appropriate preventive actions should be taken before and after exercise. Continuous training is the best preventive measure against sports injuries.
Being aware of your physical capabilities and limitations is crucial in preventing sports-related injuries. Engaging in exercises that exceed your body’s capacity, especially without realising it, can pose serious health risks. For your safety, you should undergo a medical check-up and physical fitness assessment before participating in any strenuous sports activities.
In addition to understanding your fitness level, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the rules and techniques of the sport you choose. Even for something as simple as jogging, maintaining proper posture and using the right equipment are essential. Ignoring these basics can lead to muscle strain or joint injuries.
Proper knowledge of sports equipment and on-site safety is vital. If you’re exercising in a gym but are unfamiliar with the machines, accidents can happen. For seasonal sports like skiing, always select a venue with reliable facilities and certified instructors. Ensure that first-aid equipment, such as defibrillators, is readily available to handle emergencies.
Pushing yourself too hard – especially when you’re already tired – can impair your performance and significantly increase the risk of injury. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
Happy Valley
- Address:
- 2/F, Li Shu Fan Block,
Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital,
2 Village Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
- Service hours:
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Monday to Friday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Consultation by Appointment
- Tel.:
- (852) 2835 7890
- Email:
- [javascript protected email address]
- Fax:
- (852) 2892 7517
- WhatsApp:
-
(852) 2835 7890
(For non-emergency cases)