India’s top 10 orthopedics share advices on sport injury

New Delhi : Even though these injuries are common, they can still be quite painful and make it hard to go about your regular routine. In sports, for instance, even the most innocuous falls to the floor can lead to serious injuries like sprained ankles or broken fingers. If you want to keep your wounds from getting worse, now is the time to take action. The top orthopaedic surgeons share their wisdom on the most typical injuries they see in their practises.

Dr. Naresh Agarwal, Senior Consultant Orthopedic Department – Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, Delhi

An important knee stabilising ligament is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). ACL tears are common, especially in high-impact sports like soccer, football, and basketball, where the knee takes a lot of punishment. Surgery to repair the torn ligament is the standard treatment for an ACL tear. A tiny keyhole incision is made in front of the knee joint, and an Arthroscope (a telescope with a built-in camera) is used to perform the surgery. Restoration of knee function following surgical intervention is impossible without rehabilitation. The muscles surrounding the knee will need to be stretched and strengthened, so physiotherapy will be recommended. It’s crucial to take rehabilitation seriously and do everything by the book if you want to get better.

Dr. Pranjal Kodkani, Director& Chief surgeon – Center for Joint Preservation Surgery – Arthroscopy & Sports Injury, Lilavati, P D Hinduja (Khar), Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai

Injuries sustained during sports activities are an everyday reality. Anyone can benefit from them, not just athletes. Damage to ligaments, menisci, and cartilage can result from something as minor as a knee twist or an ankle sprain. While lifting heavy objects, the kneecap may dislocate. Shoulder dislocations can occur even in friendly hand-to-hand combat. Hip and groyne pain are common complaints from people who practise yoga and dance. It is the sole focus of joint preservation surgery to treat such injuries, and its patient population includes not only professional athletes but also regular gym rats. Patient-friendly treatments range from arthroscopy and minimally invasive surgeries to medication, injections, and exercise therapy.

As the old adage goes, “a stitch in time saves nine,” so it’s important to attend to these wounds as soon as possible so that the patient can make a recovery.

Dr. Rakesh Chakule, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sports Injury Specialist, Sports Medicine PG Diploma, Switzerland

Sport is a very strenuous pursuit. Injuries in the sporting world are almost never gradual. Orthopaedic surgeons have developed a subspecialty treating sports injuries. Different sports and different levels of professional competition necessitate different approaches to treating these injuries. If repeated micro-trauma or early symptoms are ignored, they can lead to extensive treatment and rehabilitation, which in turn can cause the athlete to miss valuable training time and even the competition. Because athletes are susceptible to sustaining multiple injuries at once, not just orthopaedic ones, it is important to refer them to the appropriate medical professionals as soon as possible if they experience any complications from their initial treatment. Although preconditioning and training at optimal loads have been shown to reduce the number of injuries, they cannot eliminate them entirely.

Mantra: Early attention to injuries can help an athlete’s sports career.

Dr. Balaraju Naidu, MS (Ortho), DNB (Ortho), MNAMS, Fellowship in Hip and Knee Joint Replacements Cardiff (Uk), Fellow in Computer Navigation Replacement Surgery (Germany), Robotic Orthopedic Joint Replacement & Arthroscopic Surgeon, Managing Director – ONUS HOSPITALS, Hyderabad

While anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are usually caused by the stress exerted on the knees during sports and fitness activities, those who play games that require sudden stops or changes in directions while running are more prone to ligament injuries than those who play cricket or other games. Ligament injuries sustained in vehicular accidents are much worse due to the massive forces involved. Recovery in accidental cases is very good, provided assessment and treatment are done at the appropriate time with best practices.

If the injuries are sports-related, almost 99.99% of the patients can attain their pre-injury fitness levels in 3–4 months. For example, after an ACL reconstruction, athletes can normally return to competitive sports in 3 months.

Dr. Sivaraman B, MBBS, MS (Ortho), MRCS (UK), FRCS (UK), Diploma in Sports Medicine, FEBOT, ATLS Instructor, British Orthopedic Asso. Shoulder & Elbow Fellowship (UK), Fellowship in Upper limb & Major Trauma (UK), Shoulder & Elbow Lead – Apollo Hospital, Chennai

Sports participation among Indians is high now, resulting in a lot of sports injuries. Tips to prevent sports injuries follow the correct technique and equipment, warm-ups, and strength of your muscles. Once you have any sports injury, consult a specialist for proper advice and follow it. Sports injury ranges from minor muscle strain to ligament damage and joint dislocation. With some injuries, if you receive treatment precisely from the beginning with proper rehabilitation, it is possible to avoid surgery. Some conditions might require surgery, like recurrent shoulder dislocation, if you have it at the appropriate time and the rehab results are better.

Dr. Kshitij Soni, MBBS, MS Ortho, FASM Arthroscopy & Sports Injury Specialist – Chanddni Hospital, Kota

A proper warm-up before the game helps you by gradually raising the heart rate, warming the muscles and connective tissues, improving mobility, and improving the functionality of all the body movements. Maintaining flexibility is extremely important for injury prevention, as poor flexibility can lead to muscle and tendon strains. Therefore, pay attention to technique and hydrate yourself. Precise sports gear has been a major development in the prevention of sports injuries. Training yourself for a game should be a gradual process; expecting your body to be ready for any particular game within a few days is an injustice. Avoid playing if you’re not fit; minor injuries should not be neglected, and complete fitness is important for you to get onto the field.

Dr. S K Gupta, MS (Ortho), MRCS, FIAS (Japan), FAPOA (Singapore), Arthroscopy, Joint Replacement and Sports Injury Surgeon – Galaxy Hospital, Bhopal

To prevent sports injuries, athletes should follow these tips: Before starting any physical activity, warm up properly to prepare your muscles for the upcoming physical demand. Staying in shape, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and wearing the correct gear can help protect you from injury.

Pay attention to pain or discomfort and take appropriate action to prevent it from becoming an injury. Compression of the injured part helps in preventing further bleeding and swelling. Severe injuries such as the ACL, total ligament injuries, fractures, and lacerations need urgent attention. Seek expert advice whenever needed. Get the operative corrections done by the most experienced hands possible, as the success of the primary surgery and appropriate sports rehabilitation are critical to your future sports career.

Dr. Girish Sawakare, MBBS, D.Ortho, BJGMC, Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Sec. DNB (Ortho) – HBTMC and Cooper Hospital, Mumbai

The ACL is one of the vital ligaments that secure the knee joints. Imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs offer a proper look at the severity of the injury. Unfortunately, most ACL injuries require surgery to regain full function of the knees—especially for young athletes. Patients require physical therapy following surgery.

Broken bones, or fractures, are quite common in athletes. A stress fracture usually requires six to eight weeks to heal. The affected area is compressed and iced to reduce swelling. A severe fracture requires surgery to align the bones back together. These injuries are a result of constant, repetitive, and prolonged use of muscles. Stress fractures, a runner’s knee, and tennis elbow are also common sports injuries.

Dr. Sonik Shah, M.S (Ortho, Mumbai), FIMIAS, FIAS (GERMANY), Diploma in Sports Medicine (International Olympic Committee Certified, Swiss), All India Superspeciality Hospital, Mumbai

Tips for Preventing Sports Injuries in Kids and Teens: Learn the right technique, use the right equipment, and talk to the young athlete. Use appropriate protection gear and clothing. Emphasize hydration. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with specific attention to protein intake. Emphasize both warm-ups and cool-downs equally. Slowly and steadily build up your endurance. “Rome was not built in a day.” Exercises and training sessions should mimic the intensity of sporting events (food, temperature, hydration, psychology, etc.). Recognize the injury early, and a “chalta hai” or “hota hai” mindset should be avoided. Proper guidance at the right time can prevent a catastrophic event in the future.

Once you understand the sport and get its basics right, your body will excel in it.

Dr. Vamshi Kiran Badam, MBBS, MS (Ortho), Fellowship in Shoulder Surgery, Knee Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine, Fellowship in Foot & Ankle Surgery, KIMS – Sunshine Hospital, Hyderabad

Sports injuries are musculoskeletal injuries to ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. With the increase in sports awareness, there is a rise in the trend of sports participation by kids and adolescents at a younger age and recreational sports by adults. Even common sports injuries like muscle spasms, ankle sprains, and shoulder dislocations should be addressed with the utmost care. Ignoring can increase severity and permanent damage, necessitating a break from playing. For example, most common sports injuries like ankle sprains require rest and ankle support. Neglecting can lead to recurrent ankle sprains due to ligament tears and cartilage damage. In such scenarios, the latest minimally invasive ankle arthroscopy and ligament surgery can lead to early recovery and a return to athletic activity and recreational sports participation.