INJURY MANAGEMENT IN SPORTS AND CHALLENGES

INJURY MANAGEMENT IN SPORTS AND CHALLENGES

Titto Cherian¹ & Dr. George Abraham²

tittocherian@gmail.com, profgeorgeabraham@gmail.com

¹Lecturer in Physical Education, Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Training College,Malecruz

²Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu.

Abstract

Injury is a physiological wound caused by an external source. It can also be described as a physical wound, such as fracture or blow. Sports injury are commonly caused due to overuse , direct impact or the application of force which is much more than what the body can withstand . Mainly sports injuries can be classified under acute and chronic injuries. The injuries which are caused by the hard exercises are also includes under sports injuries. In the sports injuries commonly the musculoskeletal system of the body is involved. The majority of the sports related injuries involve the soft tissues. About two-third of the injuries are sprain and strain which can include under Acute type of Sports injury. Chronic injuries are caused by repeated over exercise of muscle group or joints. Poor technique and structural abnormalities can also contribute to the development of this kind of injuries. The common sports injuries include Ankle sprain, Bruises, cuts and abrasions, dental damage, groin strain, hamstring strain, knee joint injury, ankle joint injury, wrist joint injury and stress fractures. Treatment of sports injury requires special interest so that a sports person can come back to the field as early as possible. The first aim is to reduce the symptoms and then other pharmacological treatment. The Rehabilitation procedures are equally important along with the treatment.

Key words: Injury, Rehabilitation

INTRODUCTION

Management systems are dominating in every sphere of activity-Business management, Industrial management and other systems. Management is a multi-disciplinary approach, encompassing a wider ground, for the proper functioning of the sphere of activity. The basic concepts of management are applicable effectively to the field of Physical Education, and Sports

In recent years, the value of physical activity in enhancing the quality of life has been rediscovered by the people in the whole world. This has led to the mass participation in jogging, walking, running and also in some fun games to improve the health and fitness in general.

Now a day’s people of all age groups are becoming more conscious about their health. This consciousness is responsible for the increase of gyms, health centers, and sports clubs, it also becoming a good business. Many untrained and unqualified persons involve in this, without knowing the basic knowledge of sports mechanism, basic biomechanics of sports injuries, first aid and preventive measures for sports injuries caused by these exercises. Generally it is not advisable to exercise without proper guidance. Physicians/doctors also suggest the same.

Players who have not trained to their full capacity are liable to sustain injuries during play because of fatigue or imperfect co-ordination leading to faulty movements.

Coaches/fitness trainers/athletic trainer must be very conscious about the sports injuries and its management. They must be very familiar and must be able to understand the terms and structure of the musculo-skeletal system and its responses to injury. Basic knowledge of sports mechanics is essential to appreciate the factors which are involved in prevention of injury as well as management of injury.

The affluence of a society may be reflected by the enthusiasm in sports. The sports are booming all around the world now days. People are more eager and curious to know how their bodies behave during exercise and competition. Inspite of the apparent increase and interest in sports and physical activities among people, frequent occurrence of injury prevails. Therefore, injuries are increasingly becoming common. But the advancement in technology in treating sports injuries has made it possible to return from severe injuries and get back to normal.

            Sports medicine is a field in itself, evolving through a long period of practice, education, research and administration, not only in sports but also to exercise and physical activity in health and disease. The objective of this editorial is to provide a broader perspective of Sports Medicine, its issues, challenges and controversies in the past and present, with opportunities and responsibilities for the future.

Challenges and controversies in sports medicine

            Differences and variations are inherent manifestations of 'uniqueness' in all types of sports and thus "where there are issues, there are controversies" both sport-specific and injury-specific. Some of the few widely reported controversies in sports medicine were on concussion in young athlete (return-to-sport decisions),conflict of interest (pharmaceutical and device manufacturing companies and financial sponsors, and core stabilization as a treatment for low back pain (technique, patient selection, dose-response, and long-term outcome) , diagnostic criteria, natural history and role of surgery, and spondylosis in adolescent athletes (diagnostic imaging modalities and use of bracing) , stingers (associated injuries, recurrence, return-to-sport decisions) , and sudden cardiac death in young athletes (preparticipation physical examination, emergency responses and secondary preventive strategies)

            Providing care to athletes involves much more than simply treating musculoskeletal injuries. Many of the illnesses and disease processes that affect the general population are also seen in competitive athletes. Medical management of these conditions, however, can be challenging. Treatment plans need to be tailored to the individual athlete and take into consideration the rigors and demands of his or her particular sport. Important conditions that all physicians who provide care for athletes should be familiar with are sudden cardiac death, hypertension, concussion, infections, the female athlete triad, diabetes mellitus, and asthma.

            Injury management involves identifying an injury, treating it and then returning to the sport. It’s extremely important that sports players are adequately rehabilitated before returning to sport. If they are not, the injury can become much worse.

Recent Trends in Physical Education and Sports

            In the modern international level competition, the individual participant works himself to the physiological maximum, and even beyond to achieve peak performance,

Injury management had been the only area of concern for the medical men till very recently, through a routine medical examination to rule out gross disabilities and deformities of the participants in sports and games, was also done.

            With the advent of sports medicine as a speciality, the athlete is provided with a comprehensive medical care –the sports medical care –encompassing all aspects of preserving and promoting positive health of the athlete while improving his performance potentials.

Conclusion

                        Though medical men were skeptical about strenuous exertion initially, with the changing concepts of Health and Physical Education, the beneficial effects of systematic physical activity were accepted. Injuries are very common, but its how we manage the injury that matters rather than other factors. Sports Medicine evolved as a speciality to guide the performance potential of the competitive athlete. Injury incidence in games and sports has considerably decreased, since the advent of the sports medical care of the sports personnel. The knowledge and the findings from the different disciplines of Medicine are in the field of sports and games with adequate and appropriate alterations.

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