INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY

The ongoing Covid pandemic has exposed the youth to newer challenges of inactivity, obesity, mental stress, anxiety and sedentary life due to lockdown and online education!  Youth and sports are synonymous terms; both signify fun, health and loads of energy! Therefore, encouraging them to exercise and engaging them in sporting activities seems to be the best possible way to channelize their energy and protect the precious resource of our country during this pandemic.
Although the health benefits of sports in youth are immense, incidence of injuries can turn out to be the biggest setback in achieving their health goals. Preventing injuries in this group therefore,  is of paramount importance as these injuries has the potential to have severe long term consequences and also be a source of considerable morbidity and expenses. 

COMMON INJURIES IN YOUTH

Common sports injuries include neck and lower back ache, ankle and knee ligament sprains, muscle tears, shin splints, elbow and heel tendinitis, shoulder dislocations, groin pains, cartilage and meniscus injuries and hand and foot fractures. These injuries are usually of mild degree but can also be of severe nature warranting a sports specialist consultation. Increased chance of sports related injuries are highly correlated to improper preventative measures, such as stretching, warm-up, conditioning technique or by over training. The important thing is to detect the injured area and determine which of the above factors is at cause as neglecting these injuries would not only increase the severity of the injury but also result in permanent damage to the joint or the limb says" Dr. Ajay Singh Thakur, Consultant Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine Surgeon, Star Hospitals

FIRST-AID FOR INJURIES

The first aid in any injury can be memorized by the acronym ‘POLICE’. It is as follows:

Protect: Following injury, a short period of rest or immobilization can help. During this time a splint or brace may be used (or crutches for lower limb injuries). The length of the rest period will depend on the severity of the injury. 

Optimal Loading: Gentle movement should be started early.  Optimal loading can help promote healing of the injury and reduce joint stiffness and muscle weakness. The optimal loading for each injury will depend on the specific injury.

Ice application: Applying ice can help to reduce swelling and reduce pain around the injured muscle or joint. After an acute injury ice can be applied every 2 hours for 20 minutes for the first 2-3 days. A plastic bag containing crushed ice or a commercial ice pack can be used. A wet towel should always be used between the ice pack and the skin to prevent ice burn.

Compression: compressing the part with a crepe bandage or a brace will help in reducing the swelling and pain. 

Elevation: This is useful to reduce swelling and pain. An injured ankle or knee can be rested on pillows, however it is important that the leg is above the level of the pelvis. To elevate an elbow or wrist a sling can be used.

 HOW TO PREVENT INJURIES

• Warm up and cool down properly, before and after activity 

• Do not increase your training program or activity ‘too early’ or do not increase your load ‘too much’

• Adopt a good technique to prevent rotational stresses on the back

• Proper stretching and conditioning is of great help

• Work on the ‘core’ muscles which increases stability

• Do not over-train and follow the recommended activity schedule

• Proper diet and energy intake is mandatory to [prevent energy deficiency states and injuries

• Regular intake of fluids will prevent dehydration and heat stroke 

• Accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of an injury is important for safe and early return to the sport.

• Pain is a protective sensation, do not ignore it. Look out for injuries and treat them early….

LATEST TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN TREATMENT 

The latest nonsurgical treatment for injuries is called stem cell therapy. It consist of PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections and BMAC (bone marrow aspiration concentrate) injection therapy which not only speeds up healing in soft tissue injuries but can many times avoid a surgery.

At Star Hospitals, we feel that any kind of injury should not act as a deterrent in realizing your career in sports. The body of a sportsperson is unique in its self and warrants special care and attention. It is understood through experience that any injury alters the way an individual plays a sport. Our mission is to bridge these gaps of “before and after” an injury so much so that, it paves way for a hassle-free career in sports.

Book Appointment:  Dr. Ajay Singh Thakur, Consultant Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine Surgeon, Star Hospitals