Traumatology is the branch of medicine that treats musculoskeletal injuries, but if you are an athlete (whether professional or amateur) you may want to go to an even more specific specialist: the sports traumatologist, trained to adapt the treatment to your activity and particular situation.
Why go to a traumatologist specialized in sports?
Traumatology specialized in sports can help in a much more concrete way. It is not only focused on healing the injury, it seeks to return to your sporting activity in a functional manner in the shortest time possible.
What is sports medicine
The Sports medicine treats injuries and ailments caused during sports practice.. It is based on an early diagnosis, the search for the least invasive treatment possible and, above all, promoting a rapid recovery.
The goal is for the athlete not only to heal, but to be able to resume his or her sporting activity as soon as possible. Also adapting to ensuring optimal performance at the time of competition (if there is one).
Characteristics of sports injuries
Sports injuries can occur suddenly: due to a fall, a blow or a bad movement. Although they also happen due to overload, lack of warm-up, rest or a poorly executed movement repeated over time.
It is also important to ensure that the sports equipment that we use in our practice is adequate and to maintain correct hydration while practicing physical activity.
Differences between a general traumatologist and a sports traumatologist
The sports traumatologist knows, in depth, the sports of his patients. It is concerned with giving a quick diagnosis and, beyond the cure, it focuses on readaptation to training. In addition, it takes into account the time of the competition, if there is one, to help the patient perform in the best possible way.
Main injuries that occur while doing sports
Although we know very well that doing some sport is more than recommended, it is true that we also risk getting injured.
Sports injuries can be divided into two groups:
- Acute injuries, which are those that occur suddenly, such as a sprain
- Chronic injuries, caused periodically by continued activity over time.
Depending on the part of the body damaged, we can talk about:
muscle injuries
Most muscle injuries that occur while playing sports are minor. They can be due to overexertion, forced movements or trauma. Among them we find cramps, contractures or strains (also called jerks). On the other hand, and of greater severity, there are tears, both fibrillar and those that affect the entire muscle.
tendon injuries
Tendons are the fibers that attach muscles to bones. These types of injuries are common in sports. Among other reasons, They can occur due to wearing inappropriate footwear and repetitive movements.
Some of the most common are Achilles tendinitis (especially in runners), patellar tendonitis, common in football, basketball or tennis players or epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow.
Joint injuries
They are often the most severe. They can affect all the parts that make up a joint, that is: bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bursae and synovial membrane. Here we find fractures and dislocations, in addition to injuries to the common ligaments in the knees.
Likewise, in many sports practices, the trauma to the menisci. Repetitive blows and movements can also trigger joint inflammation such as bursitis or synovitis.
rachis or vertebral column
The spine is susceptible to fractures, herniated disc, bruises or torn ligaments. As examples, back pain and contractures suffered by some swimmers, as well as spinal problems in weightlifters due to the large loads they support.
Tips to prevent sports injuries
It is true that there are injuries that are very difficult to avoid, such as those caused by falls or accidents, but in many others it is in our power to make sport an (even more) healthy activity.
Warming up, staying hydrated, respecting our limits or having adequate equipment, as well as ensuring that our technique is correct can prevent us from many painful problems.
The importance of stretching in sports
Stretching is often a neglected and forgotten part of sports practice, but it is a great ally when it comes to avoiding injuries, since it The more flexible the muscles are, the less pain and contractures we will have.. Many injuries occur due to lack of flexibility.
Rest and rest after demanding sports activity
Along with stretching, rest is a part that is often overlooked, and is essential for our health. If we do not rest between our workouts, the micro-tears that occur in the tissues will accumulate., since we do not give the body time to recover. So, instead of getting stronger, we would be getting weaker. Resting is crucial, especially after a very demanding physical test, as happens in competitions.
Sport is a wonderful practice and, of course, healthy. But if done with caution. It is important to listen to and respect our body and, in the event of any ailment, Consult with doctors specializing in sports medicine to avoid major ailments, get a correct diagnosis and be able to return to the normal pace of training as soon as possible.
4 thoughts on “¿Existen traumatólogos especialistas en lesiones deportivas?”
Good morning, I wanted to know if you work with prepaid plans, I would like to attend to some protrusions on my lower back. I practice crossfit.
Hello Giuliana, what do you mean by prepaid? Thank you
Greetings, I have a son who plays basketball and his pediatrician says he has flat feet. He currently injured his knee while jumping into the basket and says he made a sound in his knee. Thank you.
Hello,
Knee injuries in athletes can have various causes, especially if factors such as flat feet can influence the biomechanics. To determine the extent of the injury and the most appropriate treatment, it is advisable to have a specialist evaluate your case in detail. If you wish, you can request an appointment with our specialists by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings.