Every sportsperson encounters injury at some point. Often, children at the early part of their career suffer the most, understandably. Though these sports injuries are common, they require immediate attention and proper care to help the individual get back to their best and continue their sports career.
As sports injury specialists in Mumbai, our orthopedic doctors at Divi Orthopaedic regularly see different types of sports injuries suffered by sportspersons — and we see a pattern. There are a few injuries that happen more often than others, irrespective of the sport they participate in. Also, in most cases, the sportsperson delays treatment assuming it will sort itself out — which is a mistake. Not every mild injury heals on its own, and when not treated properly, it can worsen and potentially derail a sports career or significantly reduce quality of life.
The best way to avoid this situation is to improve awareness. So in this blog today, with insights from our orthopedic doctor in Andheri West, we pick 4 of the most common and serious sports injuries that can happen to anyone, and which require timely treatment.
4 Most Common yet Serious Sports Injuries in Children:
1. Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain happens when the ankle is stretched or torn due to rolling or twisting. This can occur during running, jumping, sudden direction changes, or even while playing on uneven surfaces — making it one of the most common injuries suffered in sports.
When not treated properly, the ligaments can heal weak, leading to chronic instability and repeated strains, which over time can increase the risk of early arthritis too.
Treatment for an ankle sprain includes R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), pain relief, immobilization, and physical therapy followed by a gradual return to activity. In rare cases where the ligament is severely damaged, an ankle sprain may also require surgery to reconstruct the ligaments.
2. Concussions:
Concussions are another category of injuries that are common in sports. A concussion is a mild traumatic injury to the brain caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head or body, which causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull.
Though they can occur in any sport, concussions are more common in contact sports like football, hockey, and rugby – as well as in sports with a high risk of falls, like basketball and soccer.
It’s important to remember that concussion symptoms may not appear immediately and can evolve over hours or even days. When they do show up, symptoms like headaches and cognitive issues are common. The real risk with concussion is something called second impact syndrome – when another injury happens before the first has healed — which can lead to serious brain swelling. That’s why immediate medical attention is crucial.
Treatment for concussions involves both physical and cognitive rest to allow the brain to heal. A gradual, step-by-step return to activity — guided by a healthcare professional and avoiding any risk of re-injury — is essential. Rehabilitation therapies may also be needed if symptoms persist.
3. Fractures
Fractures are another common yet serious sports injury suffered by children and adults alike. These typically happen due to falls, direct impact, or force during sports. Wrists, arms, and legs are among the most affected body parts.
Treatment for fractures involves immobilization, pain management, realignment of the bones, and physical therapy in most cases. Surgery is needed when non-surgical treatments like casting or splinting aren’t enough to ensure proper healing and function.
“Fractures are serious injuries that need prompt treatment based on the extent of damage and severity. Improperly treated sports fractures can lead to misalignment, non-healing bones, chronic pain, and even arthritis — especially if joints are involved,” says our top orthopedic doctor in Andheri West, Dr. Divyesh Bukalsaria.
4. Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries are silent injuries that gradually develop without a specific incident — unlike the injuries mentioned above. These occur due to repetitive stress on bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments without adequate rest between activities.
“Overuse injuries are most common in young sportspersons, especially athletes who specialize in a single sport from a young age. Excessive training, poor technique, lack of conditioning — unfortunately, all of this is common in today’s sports culture,” say our orthopedic physiotherapists at Divi Orthopaedic & Rehab Center.
Shin splints in runners, tendonitis in various sports, or shoulder and elbow injuries in sports like basketball are among the most common overuse injuries we treat at our sports injury clinic in Andheri West.
Treatment for overuse injuries generally involves rest, pain relief, specialized physical therapy, and a gradual return to sports activity. Each overuse injury is unique and requires expert care and treatment from orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists who specialize in sports injury management.
We encourage parents, coaches, and young athletes to be aware of these common injuries, understand their causes, and seek appropriate medical attention when they occur.
If you are in Mumbai and are looking for sports injury treatment, our team of orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists – with a consistent track record in helping young athletes — is here to ensure a full and safe recovery.
