Your musculoskeletal system consists of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that help your body move from place to place. Orthopaedic Surgeons are specialists in the musculoskeletal system and are trained to treat acute, chronic, and degenerative disorders that can affect your mobility.
The ultimate goal of an Orthopaedic Surgeon is to help patients recover from injuries and return to their normal activities. Read on to find out more about the role of an Orthopaedic Surgeon in different sports injuries.
1. Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains are among the most common lower-limb injuries encountered by Orthopaedic doctors in Singapore. Minor ankle sprains can cause pain and some swelling may also be observed. However if you encounter any of the following symptoms, it may be advisable to seek medical attention immediately.
Foot deformity
Extreme pain
Numbness
Hear a pop sound during the injury
No improvement in injury after a week
Treatments for minor ankle sprains usually include bed rest, elevation, compression, and ice to reduce swelling. More serious injuries can also have physiotherapy and rehabilitation to aid with recovery. If these treatment methods are not successful, then surgery to repair or reconstruct torn ligaments might be needed.
Learn More: Tips For Preventing & Treating Orthopaedic Injuries In Sports
2. ACL Tear
An ACL Injury is a tear to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament which connects your thigh bone to your shin bone. Symptoms of an ACL tear include a loud pop or popping sensation in your knee, severe pain, swelling, loss of range of motion, and instability or a lack of weight bearing in your knee.
Once diagnosed by a trained Orthopaedic doctor, treatment for an ACL tear begins with rehabilitative therapy. A knee brace might also be provided for better support, and you might need to walk with crutches to reduce stress on the knee.
Rehabilitation can restore your knee’s full range of motion and help you return to daily activities. However if you’re an athlete or if your ACL tear is deemed to be severe, then your Orthopaedic Surgeon can recommend that you go for an ACL reconstruction surgery in Singapore. During this procedure, the damaged ligament is removed and replaced with a graft.
3. Fractures
Bone fractures can happen due to trauma from a motor accident or a fall, or they can occur during contact sports. There are different types of fractures which are classified by the severity of the injury. Minor fractures can be managed by cast immobilisation where the broken bones are kept in position and allowed to heal naturally.
For certain fractures, metal pins or screws are placed into the broken bones externally. The pins and screws are attached to a metal bar that helps stabilise and hold the bones in the proper place while they heal.
For fractures that require internal fixation, the bone fragments are repositioned by an Orthopaedic doctor before screws or metal plates are attached to the outer surface of the bones. The fragments can also be held together by inserting rods through the centre of the bone.
4. Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis is caused by overuse or strain of the achilles tendon at the back of your heel. It is more common as you age and athletes who participate in intense sports might also be more prone to achilles tendon injuries.
Most cases of achilles tendonitis can be treated at an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore with physical therapy or orthotic devices that help reduce the strain on your achilles tendon. However if your condition does not respond to these treatment methods, then surgical intervention can become necessary.
Minimally invasive surgical options exist for achilles tendonitis where damaged and inflamed tissue is removed via small incisions. For patients with more extensive damage, surgical debridement and repair might be required.
5. Hamstring Strain
Hamstring strains refer to partial or complete tears in one of the hamstring muscles. It is common in athletes, especially those who are involved in sudden sprints or jumps. Treatment protocol usually involves rest, recovery, and physical therapy to help return to normal activities. Medications to help with pain and other symptoms may also be prescribed.
For complete hamstring tears, surgery may be the only available option. Recovery time after a hamstring injury ranges from 3-6 months and a treatment plan will be laid out for you by your Orthopaedic doctor to slowly return to full fitness.
6. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissue that runs at the bottom of your feet and connects your heel bone to your toes. Some risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis are obesity, age, foot mechanics, occupations, and activities that put pressure on your heel.
Plantar fasciitis treatment primarily includes rest, physical therapy, orthotics, and walking boots. If these conservative treatment methods are unsuccessful, then surgery can be considered as a last resort.
As an Orthopaedic Surgeon and a sub-specialist in lower limb disorders and surgical treatments, Dr Kannan Kaliyaperumal has treated patients presenting with a wide variety of ailments. Reach out to us today via our Contact Us Page to set up an appointment with our team or send in your questions and our support team will reply promptly.
