Get Back to Doing What You Love
Sports injuries can affect athletes, active adults and anyone involved in regular physical activity. Proper diagnosis and timely treatment can help restore movement, strength and function.
Assessment
Treatment
Focused
What is sports injury treatment?
Sports injury treatment involves assessing an injury, identifying the structures affected and choosing an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the injury, treatment may involve activity modification, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, medication, injections or surgery.
Common sports injuries include ligament injuries, meniscus tears, muscle and tendon injuries, cartilage injuries, joint instability and fractures.
Injuries That Can Affect Active People
Sports injuries can affect different joints and soft tissues. Understanding the type and location of an injury is an important first step toward appropriate treatment.
Ligament Injuries
Ligament injuries can occur when a joint is suddenly twisted, overstretched or subjected to significant force.
Learn More →Meniscus Injuries
A meniscus injury can cause knee pain, swelling, clicking or difficulty with certain movements.
Meniscus Injury Guide →Shoulder Injuries
Sports and repetitive activities can contribute to shoulder problems involving tendons, muscles and joint stability.
Shoulder Injury Guide →Hip Injuries
Hip pain in active people can be associated with conditions such as impingement and other musculoskeletal problems.
Hip Condition Guide →Tendon & Muscle Injuries
Overuse, repetitive activity and sudden movements can affect muscles and tendons involved in sports and exercise.
Explore Sports Care →Sports-Related Fractures
High-impact injuries and falls can result in fractures requiring prompt orthopaedic assessment.
Explore Fracture Care →When Should You See an Orthopaedic Doctor?
Some sports injuries improve with rest and appropriate rehabilitation. However, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.
Pain that persists after the initial injury
Significant swelling around a joint
Difficulty putting weight on a leg
Joint instability or a feeling that the joint is giving way
Restricted movement or persistent stiffness
Repeated pain during sports or exercise
Understanding Your Injury
The right treatment starts with understanding what has happened and which structures are affected.
Clinical Examination
Your symptoms, injury mechanism, movement, strength and joint stability may be assessed during the consultation.
Imaging When Required
Depending on the suspected injury, imaging or other investigations may be recommended to understand the problem more clearly.
Treatment Planning
Treatment is selected based on the diagnosis, severity of the injury, activity requirements and individual recovery goals.
Treatment Designed Around Your Recovery
Not every sports injury requires surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury and the individual's functional requirements.
Discuss Your InjuryRecovery Is Part of the Treatment
Returning to sport is not simply about getting rid of pain. Recovery may involve restoring strength, movement, balance, confidence and the ability to safely perform the activities required by your sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common sports injuries? +
Common sports injuries include ligament injuries, meniscus injuries, muscle and tendon injuries, joint instability, cartilage injuries and fractures. The type of injury varies depending on the sport and activity involved.
Should I see a doctor for a sports injury? +
Persistent pain, significant swelling, difficulty bearing weight, joint instability or restricted movement may warrant an orthopaedic evaluation. Severe injuries should receive prompt medical attention.
Do sports injuries always require surgery? +
No. Many sports injuries can be managed without surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the injury, its severity and the individual's functional requirements.
How long does it take to recover from a sports injury? +
Recovery time varies considerably depending on the type and severity of the injury, treatment required and individual healing and rehabilitation. A healthcare professional can provide more specific guidance after assessment.
What is arthroscopy? +
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small camera to examine the inside of a joint and, when appropriate, perform treatment.
Can I return to sports after an injury? +
Many people can return to sports after appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. The timing and progression should depend on the specific injury and recovery status.
Don't Let an Injury Keep You on the Sidelines
Get your injury assessed and understand the treatment options that may be appropriate for your condition.