Performing physical activity offers benefits for the body, since it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, minimizes the possibility of suffering from type 2 diabetes and obesity, and helps in strengthening bones and muscles for the development of daily activities. According to figures from the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 4 adults do not reach the necessary levels of physical activity, at least 30 minutes a day7 days a week for the preservation of your health and well-being.
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Physical activity, from daily walks to sports practice, has a positive impact on the reduction of symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, hypertension, some types of cancer such as breast or colon cancer, as well as strengthening bone health and functional of the organism. In this regard, Dr. Gustavo Pineda, head of orthopedics at the Clinica del Country and Clinica La Colina, explains that “physical load is necessary to keep cellular structures active and thus prevent, over time, the appearance of diseases such as sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) and osteoporosis”.
The 5 most common sports injuries
However, although exercise provides multiple benefits for metabolic health, mood and the musculoskeletal system, playing sports without the correct techniques can trigger fractures, dislocations, strains or tendinitis, depending on the case. According to Dr. Pineda, the 5 most common sports injuries are:
Muscle strain. It is a pulling sensation of the muscle or tendon that connects to the bone. This injury is common in contact sports such as football, basketball, running, in tennis or golf. It can be prevented with muscle stretching that promotes blood flow to them before and following each activity.
Sprain. It is the tearing of the ligaments in the ankles, knees and wrists, by exerting excess tension. It can be caused by exercising on an uneven surface or by elongated turns of the joint.
Tendinitis. Treats tendon inflammation following exercise or repetitive motion. It can affect the shoulder, elbow, knee, or hip. It is recommended to give the body time to rest between activities so as not to overload the tendons.
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Bursitis. It consists of the inflammation of the bursa or fluid sac between bone and muscle. It can be caused by a bump, fall, or doing activities that involve kneeling on unprotected hard surfaces.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Rupture. It is the rupture or excessive stretching of the ACL in the knee. It often occurs in sports that require abrupt stopping, landing, or changing direction. If not treated by surgery, it prevents the stability and normal function of the knee, leading to early osteoarthritis, which is a chronic degenerative disease that produces destructive alteration of the cartilage of the joints.
The evolution in the treatment of sports injuries
Normally, these muscle, tendon or joint injuries can be treated by physiotherapy, with the use of ice, the intake of analgesics -according to medical prescription- and rest. But the injuries caused by the rupture of ligaments or soft tissues require to be treated by surgery; as is the case with third degree sprains (not all) and ligament rupture.
In recent years, advances have been made in the development of minimally invasive surgical procedures such as arthroscopic (non-invasive) surgery, which offers shorter recovery time and reduced risk of developing infection. This is the case of the knee arthroscopy technique, in which the surgeon makes small incisions that allow him to reconstruct the injury without the need for a large incision.
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On the other hand, the use of “hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or the combination of the two in biological treatment has been implemented,” explains Pineda. The infiltration of hyaluronic acid in the joints has been shown to reduce pain and favor the recovery of mobility. In turn, platelet-rich plasma serves to reduce pain and speed up recovery from injuries in the patient.
What to expect following a sports injury?
As an immediate measure, it is necessary to stop exercising as soon as the symptoms of an injury are perceived, such as sudden and intense pain, bruising, swelling or noticing that a bone is out of place.
In these cases, it is important to see a specialist to determine if there is an injury and if surgery is required. Thus, “the treatment must be guided by a team of professionals in each area, spine, hip, knee, ankle and shoulder, with the support of the rehabilitation team with the necessary state-of-the-art equipment”, concludes the doctor.
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