Common Musculoskeletal conditions dealt in Athletes:
There are certain musculoskeletal conditions which commonly affect athletes. The joints and ligaments are the cause of pain in many cases, but many of these pains have their source in the muscles, due to improper training and recovery.
Ankle sprain: One of the commonest injuries to occur in athletes is an ankle sprain. It is important for a doctor to diagnose this condition, so that other complications are ruled out. Routine imaging and investigations are usually not required and are rarely fruitful except in certain cases. Treatment involves a variable degree of rest, ice therapy, leg elevation and certain medications as advised. A medical consultation after this acute period can correctly guide the initiation of an appropriate rehabilitation programme. Improper rehabilitation resulting in chronic pain is common when the treatment protocol is not medically supervised. Return to playing depends on the grade of injury and the speed of recovery as assessed on periodic clinical examination and testing. Taping and bracing is of benefit but should be prescribed by a doctor.
Knee pain: This is another very common condition in sports which can occur with or without injury. The causes and treatment vary with the condition, age, sport and the athlete's body physiology. Meniscus tears, ACL tears, cysts in the knee, Osgood-Schlatter disease, jumpers knee, collateral strains and anterior knee pain are the most common causes of such knee pains. A thorough examination by a specialist doctor dictates the treatment for these conditions. Whereas ACL tears and meniscal tears require surgical correction in most cases, tendinopathies and enthesopathies can be managed conservatively with rest and rehabilitation. Prevention of recurrence is the key in these situations for a successful sports career as also for a pain free life. For this purpose, a detailed evaluation of the training routine and the body biomechanics is necessary. Knee caps and braces are of temporary benefit and should be avoided without an advise by a doctor.
Shoulder pain: This is common in overhead athletes, but prevalence in other sports and active population is also high. The pain can be either structural in origin like rotator cuff tear, type III acromion, supraspinatus calcification, etc. or it could be due to muscle dyskinesia. Various clinical tests and investigation modalities help in reaching a diagnosis. Treatment modalities vary for different conditions and level of activity of the athlete. Correction of biomechanics in athletes forms a crucial part in prevention of recurrence.
Back pain: Be it fast bowlers, tennis players or recreational gym goers, back pain is a very common condition. The cause of back pain depends on the associated complaints, occupation, posture, playing technique, etc. Whereas postural problems are treated by education and rehabilitation, structural problems may need surgical intervention . Weakness of back muscles and improper training of the core is a common cause of back pain and guided rehabilitation to train the core musculature to the optimum is usually the 1st treatment option. Braces and supports are of temporary benefit.
Elbow pain: Tennis elbow and golfers elbow are among the 2 commonest conditions affecting the elbow. These are overuse injuries and have been attributed to a variety of factors like incorrect technique, incorrect gear, weak muscles, etc. Treatment is non-surgical in most cases. Chronic pains which are unresponsive to conservative management may require surgery. Radial tunnel syndrome is another possible cause of pain.
