Sports injuries

Sports injuries are common among both competitive and recreational athletes. In Finland, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of sports injuries occur each year, and they are especially common in contact sports, ball sports and running training. Injuries affect all age groups, from active children to veteran athletes.

Sports injuries are divided into two main types: acute traumatic injuries and overuse injuries. Acute injuries include ligament sprains, muscle tears, fractures and cartilage or ligament damage. Overuse injuries develop slowly as a result of repetitive strain and appear as pain and swelling during exercise. If untreated, both can lead to a prolonged cycle of recurring injuries.

Traumatic injuries are most often caused by contact, a sudden change of direction or an incorrect landing. Overuse injuries are caused by increasing training volume too quickly, muscle imbalance, technique errors and poor equipment. Previous injuries increase the risk of new injuries if rehabilitation is not completed.

Diagnosis is based on a clinical examination by a sports physiotherapist or a specialist in orthopedics. Imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, is needed to detect tendon and ligament injuries as well as stress fractures. An accurate diagnosis of the injury is essential for the right rehabilitation programme.

First aid for an acute injury follows the POLICE principle: optimal loading, rest, ice, compression and elevation. A sports physiotherapist plans a phased rehabilitation programme that progresses from pain relief to functional training and finally sport-specific practice. Surgical treatment is needed for severe ligament or cartilage injuries.

Properly treated sports injuries heal well, and most athletes return to full training. It is worth completing rehabilitation to the end, as returning too early increases the risk of recurrence. Preventive training, correcting muscle balance and good technique are the most effective ways to reduce the risk of sports injuries.