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Why are injuries so common in athletes?

Why are injuries so common in athletes?

Apr 25, 2024

Photo by Jonathan Chng on Unsplash

Sports injuries are extremely common, with figures estimating that amongst the younger population alone, over 3.5 million children and teens are injured each year as part of organised sports or physical activity. This does not even account for unreported injuries. Given their prevalence, it is important that we understand why injuries are more common amongst athletes and those that regularly participate in sporting activities so that we can prevent and treat these accordingly.

A sports injury can occur as a result of several scenarios, including accidents, impact, insufficient training, improper equipment, lack of conditioning, or poor warming up and stretching, to name a few.
Although joint injuries represent the most common site of damage, accounting for both sprains and strains, any part of your body can get injured during physical activity. When we exercise, a significant number of our muscles and tendons are involved; therefore, the chances of developing an injury are much greater.
Moreover, especially during competitive sporting activities, we tend to stretch our bodies and push ourselves farther than we usually would, resulting in us moving in ways that we often wouldn’t. Although this can be harmless, in some instances, this leaves our muscles and tendons torn, damaged, and in pain.

In athletes, the above factors are exacerbated, with the most common sports injuries amongst this population being:

  1. Strains: A strain is defined as an injury to either a muscle or a tendon that primarily results from overuse, force, or stretching. The severity of the injury depends on the nature of its cause, with strains ranging from a simple overstretching of the muscle or tendon to a partial or complete tear.
  2. Sprains: Alongside strains, sprains represent the most common type of injury across all sports, being especially common amongst athletes. A sprain is characterised by a torn muscle or ligament that results from overuse or excessive force, whether that be a collision, a fall, or other causes.
  3. Knee injuries: Damage to the knee joint is most common in contact sports and is usually caused by a sprain, strain or tendonitis. There are a vast number of different conditions that may result from an injury to the knee, including ACL tears, MCL/LCL ruptures, runner’s knee, IT band syndrome and jumper’s knee, anterior knee pain, and patella-femoral maltracking.
  4. Fractures: The most prevalent fractures seen amongst athletes are fractured wrists, hands, collarbones, and bones in the ankle and feet. The highest rate of fractures is seen in contact sports, such as football and rugby.
  5. Tennis elbow: If you experience persistent pain around the outside of your elbow, you may be suffering from tennis elbow. This injury primarily results from overuse of the forearm due to a repetitive or strenuous activity; however, it may sometimes occur following force to the elbow.
  6. Plantar fasciitis: Do you have pain in the bottom of your foot? Or around your heel and arch? This may be plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and arises following inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This injury is most common in endurance athletes, such as runners
  7. Back injuries: It is estimated that 80% of UK adults experience back pain at some point during their lives. Back pain is most common in athletes that participate in sports that have frequent hypertension of the lumbar spine, including gymnastics and football. The primary issue with back injuries is that athletes can cause strain to other parts of their bodies if they change their techniques to reduce the pain experienced.
  8. Concussion: Injuries to the head and neck represent the most frequent catastrophic sports injury, with concussion being the most common athletic head injury. In the UK, an estimated 8.5% of all concussion-related hospital admissions are of sporting origin.
At Opus, we treat a range of sports injuries with our novel techniques, including elbow, hand and wrist sports injuries, shoulder injuries, foot and ankle damage, knee injuries, shin splints and stress fractures, hip sports injuries, neck and back pain, and sprains and strains. Contact us today to discuss your needs and how we can assist you on your journey.
Things you may not know about an injury to the AC joint

Things you may not know about an injury to the AC joint

Apr 20, 2024

Photo by Riley McCullough on Unsplash

The acromioclavicular joint, or AC joint as it is more prevalently known as refers to the shoulder joint and the point at which the collarbone and scapula meet. Injuries to the AC joint account for between 40% and 50% of all shoulder injuries in contact sports and are most common in males under the age of 35.

The role of the AC joint is to underpin normal physiological conditions and allow gliding movement of the arms. It permits an additional range of motion to the scapula and assists in any movement to the arm, including shoulder abduction and flexion. At this joint, something known as three-dimensional motion occurs; internal rotation, upward rotation, and posterior tilting, which allows for movement as we know it. An injury to this joint, therefore, can have a profound effect on conducting daily activities. We discussed the severity of AC joint injuries in a previous post. Here, we will focus on things you may not know about an injury to the AC joint.

1. Symptoms of an AC joint injury

Shoulder injuries are common, and it can often be challenging to determine whether your injury is simply a strain to the limb or if it is an injury to the AC joint. When you have an AC joint injury, the pain and discomfort experience often extends to everyday activities, significantly hindering movement throughout the day. Below is a list of common symptoms that you may experience:
  • Shoulder or arm pain,
  • A visible bump, bruise, or swelling of the shoulder,
  • Limited shoulder mobility,
  • Weakness in the shoulder, extending to the arm,
  • Pain when lying on the shoulder,
  • A popping sound when you move your shoulder
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is likely that you have an AC joint injury and should get in touch with our team to assess your condition and treatment options.

2. Should you leave an AC joint injury untreated?

It is often very easy to ignore mild pain and discomfort of our joints and dismiss it as simple overuse; however, leaving an AC joint injury untreated can, in some cases, cause your condition to worsen. Although serious consequences are rare, it is better to play it safe when it comes to these sorts of injuries and seek medical assistance to ensure you recover fully. In most cases, getting the correct treatment can also result in a shorter healing time.

3. The role of regenerative medicine in treating AC joint injuries

For the majority of people with an AC joint injury, a full assessment followed by reduced activity and rest often does the job. However, if you are experiencing repeated pain in this joint, then a more long-term option may benefit you, specifically platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections or mesenchymal stem cell therapy. The goal of these treatments is to assist in the healing process by activating your cells to regenerate new, healthy tissue. Several case studies have shown immense success in patients with AC joint injuries using these techniques, and we discuss these in more detail on our research page.

At Opus, we ensure that your injury is fully assessed so that you receive the best possible treatment that is tailored to your needs. Get in touch to discuss your recovery with one of our world renowned specialists.

Keep it simple? Can simple aerobic exercise assist in the management of lower back pain?

Keep it simple? Can simple aerobic exercise assist in the management of lower back pain?

Apr 16, 2024

The World Health organisation (WHO) stated that in 2020, 619 million people were affected globally by lower back pain, with non specific lower back pain accounting for 90% of these cases, making it the single leading cause of disability worldwide (5).

Based on these figures it is of no surprise that here at Opus, and I am sure at many, if not all other MSK treatment centres, we see a large number of patient’s coming through the door looking for assistance with this matter. As with any injury we see, the case will vary from patient to patient and every individual will require a bespoke treatment plan, aimed at their particular presentation and tailored towards their overall goals. However, is it worth considering that something as simple as low intensity aerobic exercise could be of use to a high percentage of these patients at some point in their recovery?

Lower back pain is a pervasive issue, which can be impacted or triggered by a number of factors including: trauma, deconditioning, muscle imbalances, fatigue, obesity, sustained sedentary positioning and many more . Whilst there are several approaches to managing this issue, one possible tool could be the use of aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise includes: walking, light jogging, cycling, use of a cross-trainer or aerobics in a swimming pool.

To harness the benefits of aerobic exercise for lower back pain relief, consistency is paramount. NHS guidelines (2), recommend engaging in aerobic activities for a minimum of 150 minutes per week, spread across several sessions. This equates to approximately 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, 5 days a week. However, it’s essential to start sensibly and listen to your body, gradually increasing the duration and intensity as your fitness improves. In those individuals with lower back pain, the pain levels experienced during completion of their aerobic activity will also be an important factor in guiding the duration of their session and whether they need to include small rest breaks or alterations in the intensity of the exercise, to enable them to continue for the necessary time.

Aerobic exercise initiates a series of complex physiological responses within the body. Firstly, aerobic activities stimulate the cardiovascular system, increasing heart rate and promoting blood flow to various tissues, including the muscles of the trunk and lower back as per Sany, S.A., Mitsi, M., Tanjim, T. and Rahman, M. (2022) (3) This enhanced blood circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for tissue repair and regeneration, while also aiding in the removal of metabolic waste products and reducing inflammation. It also triggers a chemical response through the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters produced by the central nervous system, often referred to as the body’s ‘natural painkillers’. Endorphins bind to opioid receptors in the brain, effectively reducing the perception of pain and promoting feelings of well-being and relaxation. This analgesic effect can significantly alleviate discomfort associated with lower back pain.

Research has demonstrated the efficacy of aerobic exercise in reducing the incidence and severity of lower back pain, as well as improving functional status and overall quality of life. The subsequent recurrence of back pain episodes can be reduced by 30% just through the use of aerobic exercise Shiri, R., Coggon, D. and Falah-Hassani, K. (2017) (4). Incorporating aerobic exercise is a cost effective and easily accessible way to attempt to alleviate lower back pain. By adhering to a consistent aerobic exercise regimen, individuals can mitigate discomfort, improve functional capacity, and promote overall well-being Gordon, R. and Bloxham, S. (2016) (1).

Now none of the above is to say that other types of exercise: strength training, pilates, yoga, mobility, aren’t of benefit or in fact more suited to some patients. What it does suggest though is that even when someone feels they are severely limited in what they can do, whether it be due to the lower back pain itself, or the time and resources available to them, something as simple as a walk, jog or bike ride can physiologically benefit them and reduce their pain levels.

Reference List

 

Skier’s Thumb: A common injury amongst winter athletes

Skier’s Thumb: A common injury amongst winter athletes

Apr 16, 2024

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

What is Skier’s thumb?

Thumb ligament injuries are common occurrences and occur when the ligaments that support the thumb are stretched beyond their limit and tear, as with a sprain. The injury itself is to the ligaments at the joint located at the base of the thumb, known as the MP joint. When the thumb is forcefully bent sideways, it can result in a tear to the ulnar collateral ligament. Skier’s thumb, in particular, is a condition common amongst winter athletes.

Depending on the severity of the sprain, categorised as three different grades, pain may or may not occur at the time of the injury. However, bruising, tenderness, and swelling around the base of the thumb are to be expected. Moreover, the characteristic symptom of Skier’s thumb is difficulty grasping items between the thumb and index finger.

    • Grade 1 sprain (mild). The ligaments are stretched but do not appear torn.
    • Grade 2 sprain (moderate). The ligaments are partially torn and may result in some loss of function.
    • Grade 3 sprain (severe). The ligaments are completely torn and is described as a significant injury. This type of sprain requires medical or surgical interventions and can result in lasting loss of function. 

    Treatment

    The treatment of a sprained thumb entirely depends on the severity of the injury, the timing, and whether or not there is arthritis present in the joint. At Opus, we also consider your activity levels, your job requirements, and individual preferences. There are two primary routes of treatment; nonoperative and operative.
    1. Non-surgical treatment. This represents the most common route of treatment for patients with Skier’s thumb and often involves splinting and casting. Typically, a sprained thumb takes between four and six weeks for the ligament to heal sufficiently for light use. However, it is important to consider that for more intense activities, such as sports, it may take substantially longer.
    2. Operative interventions. In some instances, where either the ligament does not heal adequately with non-surgical treatments or the severity of the injury is too great, surgery may be considered. In these cases, the treatment will involve repairing the torn ligament back down to the bone using sutures.

    More recently, a third option for treatment has been proposed: regenerative medicine. We have discussed the roles of platelet rich plasma and mesenchymal stem cell therapy in regenerative medicine in previous updates, which you can find here. Introducing stem cells to the site of the thumb injury can speed up the healing process exponentially and has been used to accelerate the recovery of several sporting figures across the globe.

    Sprained thumbs, although not usually a significant injury, still require medical intervention. When diagnosed and treated accordingly, the vast majority of patients will heal without any additional complications. However, if ignored, the thumb may heal incorrectly and cause long-term problems, including chronic instability, weakness, and arthritis. Get in touch with our team at Opus to ensure that the ligament is correctly healed and your recovery journey is as seamless as possible.
    Shin splints versus stress fractures. What’s the difference?

    Shin splints versus stress fractures. What’s the difference?

    Apr 12, 2024

    Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
    Sports medicine emphasises the importance of physical activity in Shin
    splints are characterised by inflammation of the muscles, tendons and bone tissues surrounding the tibia, also known as the shin bone. Stress fractures, on the other hand, are tiny cracks in the bone. However, both conditions are caused by the same problem, overloading.
    Shin splints refer to pain along the shin bone and are common in athletes, especially runners, dancers, and gymnasts. This condition is also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, as it often occurs in athletes who have recently intensified their training routines, putting added stress on their shin bone. In the vast majority of shin splint cases, treatment involves rest, ice, and other self-care measures, as with most inflammatory and strain injuries. To prevent future recurrence of shin splints, it is advised that you wear appropriate footwear and modify your exercise routine accordingly.
    Whilst shin splints are characterised by pain caused by stress to the bone; stress fractures cause actual damage to the bone. They are common amongst athletes, especially long distance runners, due to repeat force and overuse of the limbs. This injury is most common in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot. Treatment for stress fractures, as with shin splints, is lots of rest. However, you may be asked to wear a walking boot or use crutches to further reduce the weight-bearing load on the limbs.
    It is worth remembering that, although predominately occurring in athletes, stress fractures and shin splints can also develop from the normal use of a bone that is weakened. This arises with conditions such as osteoporosis.

    How to tell these two conditions apart?

    The main determinant between shin splints and stress fractures is pain. With a stress fracture, the pain will get progressively worse as you run and will continue to persist at a localised point once you have finished exercising. With shin splints, on the other hand, the pain tends to present over a broad area and will cause swelling and significant discomfort, but does not stop physical activity. Once you have warmed up, shin splints also tend to dissipate. Moreover, shin splints exclusively occur in the lower leg; whereas stress fractures, although common in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot, can occur in any bone.

    Treatment with regenerative medicine

    As mentioned, treatment of these injuries tends to focus on rest and exercise modifications; however, you may experience persistent shin splints or stress fractures, which has a significant impact on your daily activities. This is where regenerative medicine, specifically platelet rich plasma (PRP), comes in. You can read more about how this treatment works here.

    Preclinical studies have emphasised the potential value of PRP injections in stress fractures. This technique is capable of shortening the fracture healing time so you can be back on your feet in as short a time as possible. PRP injections have also shown great promise in the treatment and prevention of shin splints.

    At Opus, we are able to thoroughly assess your condition and provide you with evidence-based techniques underpinned by the current research to ensure the greatest chance of success on your journey. Get in touch today to book a consultation with one of our world renowned doctors.