If any injury gets neglected or is under treated it may lead to further deterioration resulting in an irreversible damage

Q: How should I treat a common sports injury immediately after it happens? –Ahsan Ali

A: Dear reader, it’s very important to know the basic principles to opt immediately after any injury has happened. First of all you have to stop the player from continuing the sport activity and transfer to safe place like outside the playing boundary line and then immobilize it with the help of a temporary stabilizer like splint or plaster-of-paris cast. Closed injury requires elevation of limb at heart level and continued icing to decrease the swelling. Shift the patient to hospital where doctors can do a thorough examination and investigations which will lead to a correct diagnosis of the injury after which proper treatment can be started. If it gets neglected or under treated it may lead to further deterioration of the injury and may result in an irreversible damage.

Dr. Muhammad Kazim Rahim

MD, FCPS (Ortho) AO Fellow (Germany), Sports medicine Fellow (IRI) (France), Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Fellowship (PAS, Pak)

Assistant Professor | Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College

Q: I sprained my knee while playing football. Our family group advised me complete rest. But can I walk? It is painful but I have to be out and about. –Syed Ali

A: Dear reader, a knee injury while playing football is a very common problem. The severity of a knee injury during sports ranges from minor sprains to deep ligaments and meniscal tears. Initial management after knee injury includes rest along with bracing for 1 to 2 weeks. It is always advisable to have complete evaluation once there is injury in the knee joint. If you are experiencing pain in the knee during mobilization then it is advisable to see a sports injury specialist so that some investigations can be done and final diagnosis is made after proper management is advised and further injury is prevented.

Dr. Muhammad Sufyan

FCPS (Ortho) AO Fellow (Germany), Sports Medicine Fellowship (Singapore)

Assistant Professor | Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College

Q: I'm an athlete and want to be aware of various sports injuries. I have a question? What is a shin splint? How is it different from a stress fracture? –Mujtaba Khan

A: Shin splint is the inflammation of muscles and tendons (soft tissues) around the tibia (leg bone). The predisposing factors are aggressive exercise or running without warm up especially on uneven surface. The usual complaint is diffuse pain in the leg, more severe at the beginning of exercise.

A stress fracture is the break in the leg bone (tibia) due to repeated stresses. The symptoms are localized pain on the leg worsening with exercise. X-ray may also show fracture (crack).

Prof. Zaki Idrees

FRCS, A.O. Fellow

Professor | Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College

Q: I'm an opening batsman I have been hit on the head a couple of times but the helmet shielded me from any major injury. But once I did feel dizzy. How does one know whether it's a concussion? –Mohsin Bilal

A: Sports related head injuries are becoming very common especially in contact sports like American football. The key is "being careful" while in the game.

You can feel dizzy for multiple reasons, minor head trauma also included. If you felt it once and not on regular basis than I think it is not something to worry about.

It will be better if you see a neurosurgeons who will examine you and may order some investigation if required. He will also discuss red flags in case of any other future hit. I hope this answers your queries.

Dr. Saad Akhter Khan

FCPS

Assistant Professor | Department of Spinal And Neurosurgery

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.)