Sports injuries affect the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles during sport or exercise, most often the knee, shoulder and ankle. Dr. Emeel Hourani, consultant orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon in Amman, treats them with a plan that starts with an accurate diagnosis, moves to non-surgical or arthroscopic treatment as the case requires, and ends with rehabilitation and a safe return to sport.
The Most Common Sports Injuries
Knee Injuries
The knee absorbs sudden movements such as cutting, jumping and stopping fast, which makes it the most injured joint in football and basketball. The key injuries are anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and meniscus tears.
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder dislocation usually follows a fall on an outstretched arm, a hard tackle or repeated overhead movement. Some athletes go on to have recurrent dislocation and shoulder instability, while weightlifters and throwing athletes are prone to rotator cuff injuries.
Ankle and Foot Injuries
Ankle sprains are among the most frequent injuries on the pitch, typically from landing badly after a jump or stepping on uneven ground. Heel pain is more often linked to running and long hours on your feet.
Elbow and Wrist Injuries
These tend to come from repetitive movement in racquet sports and weightlifting, or from falling onto the hand.
Acute Injury or Overuse Injury?
How an injury happens changes how it should be managed.
| Type | How it happens | Examples | First sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute injury | At a specific moment during play | Ankle sprain, shoulder dislocation, ACL tear | Sharp pain and fast swelling |
| Overuse injury | Gradually, from repeating the same movement | Tendinitis, heel pain, shoulder pain after training | Mild pain after training that builds over time |
When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon After a Sports Injury
See an orthopedic surgeon if you notice any of the following:
- A pop heard or felt at the moment of injury
- Swelling within a few hours
- Being unable to stand on or bear weight through the injured limb
- A feeling that the joint is unstable or gives way
- A visible change in the joint’s shape, as with a dislocated shoulder
- Numbness or weakness in the limb
- Pain that returns after every session or persists despite rest
What to Do Right After an Injury
- Stop playing straight away and keep weight off the injured limb.
- Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for short periods.
- Raise the injured limb above heart level where possible.
- Never try to put a dislocated joint back yourself, or let anyone untrained do it.
- Have the injury assessed before returning to training.
How Sports Injuries Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with how the injury happened, followed by a clinical examination of the joint’s stability, movement and strength. When needed, an X-ray assesses the bones and an MRI assesses ligaments, cartilage and tendons. Grading the injury accurately is what shapes the treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many sports injuries heal without surgery. Treatment can include rest and activity modification, a brace when needed, physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint, and injections in selected cases.
Arthroscopic Surgery
When an injury is severe or leaves the joint persistently unstable, surgery may be the right option. Arthroscopy is performed through small incisions, and key procedures include:
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus tear treatment
- Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization after recurrent dislocation
- Elbow arthroscopy
The choice between non-surgical and surgical treatment is made after an in-person examination. It depends on the type and severity of the injury, the patient’s age and their sport.
Rehabilitation and a Safe Return to Sport
Returning to sport depends on the joint regaining its movement, strength and stability, not on time passed alone. Rehabilitation usually moves through these stages:
- Controlling pain and swelling
- Restoring range of motion
- Strengthening the muscles around the joint
- Balance work and sport-specific movement
- A gradual return to training, then competition
Going back too early, before these stages are complete, is one of the main reasons injuries recur.
How to Lower Your Risk of Sports Injury
- Warm up properly before training
- Increase intensity gradually and avoid sudden overload
- Mix strength, flexibility and low-impact training
- Wear footwear suited to your sport
- Allow enough time for rest and recovery
- Don’t ignore recurring pain or swelling