From cycling to rowing and from tennis to squash, each and every sports activity is capable of putting you in harm’s way. How to avoid getting injured? Our panel of experts answers your queries.

Q: I am interested in climbing, and want to join a team of climbers, but my problem is that I have a fear of heights. Please help. –Ms. Perveen Akhtar

A: There is a very logical, biological reason for fear of falling or heights, this normal anxiety results in the alertness that protects from falling, and staying away from possible dangerous situations. But when this fear is irrational and interferes with normal functioning, this phenomenon is called Acrophobia. The opposite of which is ‘head for heights’ which means no fear of height in fact getting a thrill for climbing heights.

So if you what to not just overcome this irrational fear, but get a thrill from climbing, you will definitely need professional help.

Treatment includes medications, but these are used for short period and mostly help with the physical symptoms like extreme sweating and tremors.

You will also require therapy or counseling, most probably combined with medications, at least in the initial stages of the treatment.

The cognitive behavioral therapy is the therapy of choice for acrophobia. It consists of exposing you to the feared situation either rapidly or gradually.

Traditional actual exposure to height is rarely used these days. Virtual reality exposure may be just as effective. This saves time and cost.

Regular exercise and relaxation including yoga, meditation or deep breathing, can also help you cope with stress and anxiety.

So best of luck, with some help you may join the ‘head for heights’ group.

Dr. Ayesha Quraishy

Diplomate American Board of Psychiatry

Head of Department,

Assistant Professor | Department of Mental Health

Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College

Q: I am a cyclist and participate in different competitions. I practice daily, at least five miles, in different speed variations. Lately, while cycling, I feel a severe pain in pelvic area. Please suggest what to do. I am 26 years old. –Mrs. S. Farooqi

A: Thank you for asking me this question. Pain is a very common symptom. I have to think in broader terms as history provided is scanty. Firstly I’ll think about muscular spasm due to high muscle excitability or irritability. This may be due to dehydration, salt imbalance, low calcium and magnesium level, low vitamin D level, fatigue, and lack of protection from cold weather. Secondly it can be related to over exertion while there is lack of physical strength.

The person has to be examined in detail and this will direct us towards the appropriate blood, urine tests and x-rays to be performed in order to reach a definitive diagnosis.

In future if you experience similar pain, take simple pain killers and a muscular relaxant. Have plenty of water, ORS, milk and sunlight exposure. Protect yourself from extremes of weather and undue exertion.

If the pain persist you will have to see an orthopedic surgeon who has a tertiary care hospital based practice, as he may need to consult other specialists for example gynaecologist, urologist, general surgeon and/or other specialist.

Prof. Dr. Intikhab Taufiq

FRCS (Edin) FRCS (Glasgow), A.O. Fellow

Professor | Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College

Q: Rowing is my favourite sports, and at least thrice a week I practice. I am 46 years old. Recently I have developed a pain in my left shoulder joint, which aggravates while rowing. Is it some kind of injury? Please advise? –Raja Zulfiqar

A: There can be different reasons for this pain in your shoulder. It is most likely a soft tissue injury like Rotator Cuff tear, Impingement syndrome, Biceps tendonitis etc. It is advised for you to refrain from rowing or any exertional activity which aggravates your pain and consult an orthopedic surgeon in person for proper evaluation of your problem and management.

Prof. Dr. Zaki Idrees

FRCS, A.O. Fellow

Professor | Department of

Orthopaedic Surgery

Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College

Q: I am 42. I was a tennis player. Four years ago I underwent a heart-bypass. Now I feel normal and want to resume playing tennis again. Can I do it? –Mubin Mirza

A: After bypass surgery, it is advised to avoid Strenuous exercise for few months. Since now four years has passed since bypass surgery and you have no cardiac symptoms, you can resume playing tennis again. It is of course advised to start playing with low workload and then gradually increase the play duration. Tennis is a good form of aerobic exercise and beneficial for healthy heart. The next most important thing is to take Cardiac medications regularly and have good dietary habits.

Dr. Hafeez Ahmed

FCPS (Medicine) FCPS

(Cardiology)

Head of the Department, Assistant Professor

Department of Cardiology

Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College

(All the specialists on our experts’ panel are associated with Liaquat National Hospital. Please send your queries at khalidhraj@gmail.com or Anjum.Rizvi@lnh.edu.pk.)

– Khalid Hussain