Sports-Related Knee & Shoulder Injuries: When Should You See a Doctor?

Imagine making a quick pivot while playing basketball. But a little later, you realize your knee doesn’t feel right! Or perhaps, while at the gym, you feel a sharp pain in your shoulder, forcing you to stop the shoulder press you’ve been doing.

Indulging in sports excites everyone, particularly the enthusiasts. But the injuries can be equally intimidating. Some sports injuries are minor and heal on their own. But a few others may be serious and require sports-related injury treatment in Pune.

So, now the obvious question you will ask is, how to determine if an ache is just part of the game or a warning sign that requires medical intervention? Let’s break it down to understand it in the context of sports-related knee and shoulder injuries.

When to See a Doctor for a Knee Injury?

Your knee is an intricate joint. It is particularly vulnerable to sudden stops, impacts, and twists, particularly while playing football, basketball, badminton, etc. As the best orthopedic hospital in Pune for sports-related injuries, we’ve listed some conditions that require prompt and specialist intervention to prevent the injury from worsening.

• ACL Tear: Did you hear a loud pop when you injured your knee? Then, this signifies a ligament tear, like an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or PCL tear. Don’t ignore it and live with it. Visit your doctor immediately.
• Fast Swelling: Some amount of swelling is normal. But in some cases, the swelling may be unusual and make the knee appear like an inflated balloon almost instantly after the injury. It might indicate internal bleeding or a severe tear, like the meniscus tear. The condition demands quick medical intervention.
• Inability to Move: Do you feel your knee is locked in a single position, or can you not fully straighten or bend it? Then this potentially indicates a dislocated kneecap or a torn piece of cartilage blocking the joint.
• Excruciating Pain that Doesn’t Give Up: Usually, knee pain after sports subsides with RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). But if this doesn’t work and the pain stays persistent, there’s something seriously wrong. You must see your doctor and get it clinically examined.
• Instability: Sometimes you may feel your knee will buckle when you attempt to stand or put weight on it. In such cases, your ligaments may be at fault. Don’t neglect it. See your doctor immediately.

When to See a Doctor for a Shoulder Injury?

Your shoulder has a remarkable range of motion. Hence, it is naturally susceptible to injuries. This is true particularly in sports like tennis, swimming, or baseball that involve repetitive overhead movements. Here’s when you must see a doctor.

• Sudden Weakness: Unable to lift your arm to wear a shirt or reach for a cabinet? It may indicate a rotator cuff tear. It requires expert intervention.
• Visible Deformity: A shoulder that looks out of place or has an unusual dip or lump indicates shoulder dislocation. You must address it with a doctor.
• Pain While Moving: Do you experience a sharp, stabbing pain in the shoulder while trying to move it overhead? If so, this could signify shoulder impingement or a labral tear. If the pain is intense, you must see a doctor.
• Numbness or Tingling: If you experience numbness or a tingling sensation in your arm or hand, there is a chance that your nerve has suffered damage. It is serious and must be administered medically.
• Recurring Instability: Do you repeatedly feel like your shoulder’s slipping or popping out of the joint? Then, this indicates shoulder instability or a labral tear. You must get it examined to avoid further dislocation.

What to Expect at the Doctor’s Clinic?

So, here’s what to expect when you visit the top orthopedic hospital in Pune.

• The doctor will physically examine to test movement and stability.
• They will conduct an X-ray or MRI test to understand the condition better.
• Based on the observations, inferences, and your specific condition, they would suggest treatments like physiotherapy or injections.
• However, if the condition is evidently worse and won’t respond to conservative treatments, the doctor will recommend surgery.

Generic Prevention Tips for Sportspersons to Avoid Injuries

Of course, you cannot fully avoid sports injuries. However, you can surely minimize them and their intensity, if at all you encounter one, with these generic tips.

• Warming up your body adequately before hitting the court or ground.
• Cooling the body sufficiently after the game.
• Focusing on technique. Bad forms often carry a higher injury risk.
• Using the right supportive gear, like shoes or protective equipment.
• Paying attention to what your body says. If it pains, stop the activity.

Want to Treat a Sports Knee or Shoulder Injury?

Visit Ranka Hospital. We are one of the leading orthopedic hospitals with a reputation for personalized care and treatment.

Sports injuries are one of our fortes. Our experience covers treating diverse sports injuries of varying intensities. We specialize in conservative treatments and surgical sports injury treatment. Our treatment options include medication, physiotherapy, and shoulder arthroscopy treatment in Pune.

So, don’t live with a sports injury. Treat it with us and accelerate your journey toward resuming your favorite sport. Call us at +91 7387601495 to book an appointment.