Do you play sport regularly or are you thinking of taking up physical activity? Staying active is key to good health, but it is not without risk.
Sports injuries are more common than you might think, and can often be avoided with proper preparation.
At the Instituto de Traumatología Gastaldi Orquin (ITGO), we treat numerous patients with these types of injuries, and our mission is not only to help them recover, but also to teach them how to prevent future problems.
Join us to discover what the most common injuries are and how to avoid them with the best advice from traumatology in Valencia.
The most common sports injuries
Sports injuries can vary depending on the type of activity you do. However, some affect a wide range of athletes, from amateurs to professionals.
These are the most common in the field of sports medicine in Valencia:
Sprains
Sprains are injuries to the ligaments that connect bones to each other. They are common in joints such as the ankle, knee and wrist. They are caused by sudden movements, sprains or falls.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, difficulty in moving the affected joint.
- Sports at risk: Football, basketball, running.
Tendinitis
Tendinitistendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, usually caused by overuse. Tendons in the shoulder, elbow and knee are most commonly affected.
- Symptoms: Localised pain, stiffness and difficulty moving the affected area.
- Risk sports: Tennis, swimming, weightlifting.
Fractures
Fractures are caused by direct impacts or falls and can range from mild cracks to complex breaks.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, swelling, inability to move the injured area.
- Risk sports: Cycling, skiing, contact sports.
Ligament ruptures
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee is one of the most affected in impact sports and sharp turns.
- Symptoms: Acute pain, feeling of instability, immediate swelling.
- Risk sports: Football, rugby, skiing.
Muscle injuries
These include tears, contractures or cramps. They are caused by overexertion, lack of warm-up or poor technique.
- Symptoms: Sudden pain, loss of strength, difficulty moving.
- Risk sports: Athletics, gymnastics, endurance sports.
Factors that increase the risk of sports injuries
Why do these injuries occur? They are often due to a combination of factors that can be avoided with good habits:
- Lack of warm-up and stretching: Skipping these essential steps increases the risk of muscle and joint injuries.
- Overloading: Playing sport without sufficient rest or increasing intensity abruptly.
- Improper technique: Using incorrect technique during exercise can overload certain parts of the body.
- Inappropriate equipment: Clothing, footwear or sports equipment that are not designed for the activity you are doing.
- Lack of physical preparation: Playing sports without an adequate physical base increases the risk of injury.
How to prevent sports injuries
The good news is that many of these injuries can be avoided by following some basic recommendations. At ITGO, we insist on the importance of prevention as the best tool to keep you active and free of discomfort, preventing conditions that involve muscle surgery.
Here are some tips:
Warm up before you start
A proper warm-up prepares your muscles and joints for physical activity. Spend at least 10-15 minutes on low-intensity exercises that activate your whole body.
Stretch after exercise
Stretching helps to relax muscles and prevent stiffness. Include specific exercises for the muscle groups you have worked.
Follow a progressive training programme
Avoid increasing the intensity or duration of exercise abruptly. Let your body adapt to new challenges gradually.
Watch your technique
If you play technical sports, make sure you learn the correct posture and movements. Consider working with a coach to improve your technique.
Use the right equipment
Invest in shoes and sports equipment that are suited to the activity you are doing. The wrong equipment can be the cause of many injuries.
Rest and listen to your body
Rest is a fundamental part of any sports routine. If you feel pain or fatigue, give your body the time it needs to recover.
What to do if you suffer a sports injury?
If you suffer a sports injury, the most important thing to do is to act quickly to minimise the damage. Follow these initial steps:
- Stop the activity immediately: Do not continue exercising if you feel pain or discomfort.
- Apply cold: This helps to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Consult a specialist: At ITGO, we have specialists in sports medicine who can assess your injury and offer you the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment and rehabilitation at ITGO
At Instituto Gastaldi in Valencia, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating sports injuries. Our services include:
- Advanced diagnosis: We use technologies such as MRI and ultrasound to accurately assess the injury.
- Personalised physiotherapy: We design specific programmes for each patient, ensuring optimal recovery.
- Biological therapies: We are pioneers in the use of growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells to accelerate tissue regeneration.
- Sports rehabilitation: We help you return to your physical activity safely, reducing the risk of relapse.
Take care of your body and enjoy sport
Sport is health, but it also involves responsibility. With proper preparation and preventive habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury and enjoy full physical activity.
At ITGO, we are here to support you at every stage, from prevention to recovery.
If you have suffered a sports injury or want to learn more about how to prevent them, feel free to contact us or explore other articles on our blog.