Sports Injuries

What is Sports Injury?

Sports injuries can occur while exercising or while playing indoor or outdoor sports. They can be the result of accidents, lack of correct training or not using protective devices. Some sports injuries are also caused by insufficient stretching and warm-up exercises. 

Sports that involve running, jumping, throwing and/or sudden changes of direction can lead to injuries of the hip, foot, ankle, knee and shoulder. The most common treatment for sports injuries is Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE). In most instances, the RICE approach can be carried out at home, or in consultation with our GP. 

In some cases, however, sports injuries can require surgical intervention. This is especially true of torn ligaments, cartilage damage and joint fractures. If non-surgical treatments have not worked, your doctor might refer you to Dr de Villiers. 

Surgery for Sports Injuries

Dr de Villiers is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for conditions of the knee, shoulder, hip, foot and ankle. They provide world-class specialist care and use the latest evidence-based surgical techniques. 

Common surgeries for sports injuries include: 

• Achilles tendon surgery 
• ACL reconstruction 
• Ankle arthroscopy 
• Knee arthroscopy 
• Rotator cuff surgery 
• Shoulder arthroscopy 

Understanding Pain from Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can be painful, and some can be serious. Be sure to consult your doctor if you are experiencing concussion, ongoing pain, a reduced range of motion, fever, redness, or swelling around a joint. In most cases, your doctor will diagnose your injury, send you for any necessary X-rays or scans, and implement an appropriate treatment plan.

Do You Need to See an Orthopaedic Surgeon? 

If your sports injury is not responding to conservative treatment, or if you have experienced a significant break, dislocation or tendon tear, you may need to see Dr de Villiers.