Playing sport is great, but too often it results in sports injuries. We speak to orthopaedic trauma surgeon and sports doctor in Singapore DR HK DOSHI about the sports injuries he regularly sees, and his expert tips to prevent them.
As a sports doctor in Singapore, what are some common sports injuries you treat?
I see a wide range of different sports injuries, which vary according to the type of sport being played. Generally, they fall into the categories of sprains and strains, tendon injuries, ligament injuries, repetitive strain injuries and fractures. I most commonly see knee and ankle ligament injuries.
How are the majority of sports injuries caused?
Most are due to excessive strain on the joints that involve a significant rotational force. The ligaments that stabilise the joint give way and result in a partial or complete tear.
Why would you never tell patients to stop playing sport?
Keeping yourself actively involved in sports is very important across all ages in life. It has multi-dimensional benefits such as keeping weight down, improving cardiovascular health, ensuring a healthy mind and emotional wellbeing. Weight-bearing exercises also have the added benefit of helping to prevent osteoporosis.
What are the Constant Awareness of Prevention (CAP) measures to prevent sports injuries?
It’s universal for people to injure their ligaments and other associated structures such as muscles, tendons, bones and articular cartilage during a sport activity. However, such injuries may be preventable if we take the following appropriate actions:
#1 Increase muscle strength
Muscles give support to the bones and help stabilise the joints – strong muscles enhance joint stability. Engaging in regular strength training, increasing incrementally with time, will build resilience.
#2 Increase flexibility
Flexibility prevents undue strain on joints, so increasing this will reduce the chance of ligament, tendon or muscle tearing. Also, ensure your muscles are properly warmed up before participating.
#3 Use proper technique
Using correct form and technique relevant to your particular sport will help to stop the injury before it happens.
#4 Use correct gear
Appropriate usage of protective sports gear such as helmets, pads, knee braces and/or ankle supports helps to soften the blow.
#5 Play safe and follow the rules
Keeping the healthy spirit of sports by playing safe will prevent accidental injuries. The rules are there for a reason!
#6 Keep hydrated
It is important to keep well hydrated when playing to prevent the chance of feeling weak and fainting, leading to injury. Good nutrition can also maximise your wellbeing and performance.
#7 Stop if there’s pain
Pain (or discomfort) is often an early warning sign that there may have been a subtle injury. It’s crucial to be conscious of these symptoms and not to strain the joint further until you seek an expert opinion.
Not all sports injuries are avoidable; what treatment options are available?
Most strains or partial tears of the ligament can be well managed conservatively with rest, icing, compression and elevation (RICE) in the initial stage, followed by a splint or a brace for six weeks with physiotherapy. Certain injuries such as an unstable fracture or complete ligament tear leading to instability may require surgical intervention. Your doctor can guide you on the best approach. Prevention is above all, so put on the “CAP” when playing a sport!
About this trauma surgeon and sports doctor in Singapore
Dr HK Doshi is an experienced specialist orthopaedic and trauma surgeon, and the founder of HK Doshi Orthopaedic Center, where he looks after complex fractures, ligament injuries, sports injuries, joint replacement and reconstruction procedures. He’s also a visiting consultant at Raffles Hospital.
• #05-51 Medical Centre D, Mount Alvernia Hospital, 820 Thomson Road | 6250 6082
• #02-03 Parkway East Medical Centre, Joo Chiat Place | 6242 8452
info@hkdortho.com | hkdortho.com
This article first appeared in the June 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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