Sports injuries can affect people at every level of activity, from recreational runners and gym users to competitive athletes. Injuries may occur suddenly during twisting, impact or rapid changes of direction, or develop gradually through repetitive strain and overuse. The knee is particularly vulnerable during activities such as running, football, rugby, tennis, padel, squash and climbing.
Common sports-related knee problems include ligament injuries, meniscus tears, cartilage damage, patellar problems and tendon injuries. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, instability, locking, clicking, reduced movement or a feeling that the knee may give way. Some injuries improve with rest and rehabilitation, while others require a more detailed orthopaedic assessment.
Common Sports Injuries
Some of the more common injuries seen in active patients include:
ACL and other ligament injuries Meniscus tears Cartilage injuries Patellar and kneecap problems Tendon injuries Sprains and strains Impact-related knee injuries Overuse injuries caused by repetitive activity Sports-related fractures or trauma
The type of injury often depends on the sport, the movement involved and whether the problem developed suddenly or gradually.
When to Seek an Orthopaedic Assessment
An assessment may be useful when pain persists, swelling does not settle, movement becomes restricted, or the knee feels unstable. Locking, catching, repeated giving way or difficulty returning to normal activity can also indicate that further investigation is required.
Early assessment can help identify the injured structure and guide the most appropriate treatment plan. This may include activity modification, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, medication or, where necessary, surgical treatment.
Diagnosing Sports Injuries
Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed discussion about how the injury happened, the symptoms experienced and which movements make the problem worse. A physical examination can then help assess stability, movement, swelling and tenderness.
Depending on the suspected injury, imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended to assess the bones, ligaments, meniscus, cartilage and other structures within the joint. A clear diagnosis is important in determining the safest and most effective route back to activity.
Treatment and Returning to Sport
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury, the patient’s level of activity and their individual goals. Many sports injuries can be managed conservatively with rehabilitation and a structured return-to-activity programme.
Where significant structural damage is present, procedures such as knee arthroscopy, meniscus surgery or ligament reconstruction may be considered. The goal is not only to relieve symptoms, but also to restore strength, stability and confidence so that patients can return to sport and everyday activity as safely as possible.
Dr Rael Salkinder offers various treatments for tears, injuries and also replacements.
