*हिंदी में पढ़ें: तीव्र (Acute) और दीर्घकालिक (Chronic) खेल चोटें: लक्षण और बचाव
Sports are an excellent way to stay physically fit and mentally agile. However, everything has its drawbacks. In the context of sports, the downside is that they are associated with the risk of injuries.
While some sports injuries may be acute, others could be chronic. Both demand medical attention. Understanding the difference between the two can enable sportspersons to take preventive and corrective measures – well in time to avoid serious consequences.
In this blog, we are going to shed light on the two types of sports injuries, how they differ, and effective prevention strategies for both. Whether you are a professional athlete, amateur player or high school sports star, injuries can prove a major setback for your health and life.
Acute Sports Injuries
Acute sports injuries occur all of a sudden and can result in considerable damage to the injured body parts. Causes include a sudden collision with another player, abrupt change in direction while running, a body part getting twisted, or as a result of a fall while playing. Such injuries are possible even while working out or training. They are instant and may be severe.
Examples of Acute Sports Injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Dislocated shoulder
- Fractures
- Concussion
- Knee injuries, such as ACL and meniscus tears
- Rotator cuff tears
- Muscle strains and sprains
Risk for acute sports injuries increases if you do not warm up properly, do not train properly, use improper equipment, or are excessively out of shape to play.
Symptoms of Acute Sports Injuries include:
- Sudden severe pain
- Swelling
- Extreme tenderness in the injured area
- Injured arm or leg loses weight-bearing capacity
- Headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting (concussion)
- Severe decline in range of motion in a joint
- Odd angle in a broken bone
Prevention Strategies for Acute Sports Injuries include:
- Proper warm-up before exercise, playing, or workout
- Using protective equipment according to the sport
- Learning and following the right techniques
- Being mindful of your environment when engaging in sports
Chronic Sports Injuries
Chronic injuries occur as a result of repetitive motion of a particular body part over a long time. This is typically true of sports like long-distance running, cycling, and swimming. Also referred to as overuse injuries, they happen due to wear and tear over time and can be aggravated if you do not follow the right technique.
Examples of Chronic Sports Injuries include:
- Achilles tendon injuries (in runners)
- Runner’s knee
- Stress fractures
- Tennis elbow
- Shin splints
- Heel inflammation (Plantar Fasciitis)
- Ankle sprain (may be acute initially)
- Groin pull
- Hamstring strain (may be acute initially)
Symptoms of Chronic Sports Injuries include:
- Dull ache even at rest
- Pain during activity
- Intermittent swelling or fluid build-up
- Continuous, aching pain
- Stiffness or soreness, especially after exercise
- Decline in performance or mobility with time
Prevention Strategies For Chronic Sports Injuries include:
- Do not overtrain
- Take enough time for recovery and rest
- Cross-train for equalising muscle growth
- Be watchful of the early signs of discomfort
- Use right shoes, equipment, and accessories
- Get regular physiotherapy checkups if you play sports in routine
When to Visit a Doctor
It is important not to ignore pain or discomfort, especially if:
- The pain is severe
- Inability to move the injured joint or limb
- There are clear signs of bruising, swelling, or deformity
- Pain persists for than a few days
- There is a decline in strength or mobility over time
Conclusion
Having adequate knowledge about sports injuries and the difference between acute sports injuries and chronic sports injuries is vital to maintaining your health and career as a sportsperson.
While acute injuries require immediate medical intervention, chronic injuries need long-term care. By listening to your body signals, you can detect any kind of injuries, seek specialist help if necessary, and recover well. And surely, by being proactive about prevention strategies, you can minimise your probability of sustaining sports injuries.
One of the best ways to safeguard yourself against acute as well as chronic sports injuries is to maintain a healthy weight, always warm up properly, and practice the right technique.
Want to know more about injury prevention, or require help with any kind of sports injury? Get in touch with Sohana Hospital. We have the best orthopaedic specialists in Punjab to help you out. The hospital boasts advanced treatment options for all kinds of orthopaedic issues, be it sports injuries, emergency trauma, bone and muscle problems in children, or age-related knee ailments in the elderly. Our goal is to ensure pain-free mobility for people of all ages.
FAQs – Acute Vs. Chronic Sports Injuries
1. What are common examples of acute sports injuries?
Acute sports injuries happen suddenly – due to a fall, sudden change in direction, collision, twist, or direct impact, etc. Common examples include sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and muscle tears.
2. What are common examples of chronic sports injuries?
Chronic sports injuries do not happen instantly – they develop over time due to repetitive stress or improper technique. Typical examples include tendonitis, stress fractures, shin splints, bursitis, and runner’s knee.
3. Can acute injuries turn into chronic injuries?
Yes, untreated or poorly managed acute injuries can transform into chronic problems. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or limited mobility, it can turn into a chronic injury.
4. How can I prevent both types of sports injuries?
Proper warm-ups, strength training, stretching, and using the right techniques and equipment significantly reduce the risk of both types of sports injuries. Increase activity level gradually and allow adequate rest to your body. This can help prevent both acute and chronic injuries.