Date :Wednesday, May 14, 2008 Time: 10:50:36 AM

Injuries in Athletics
:: Articles by :: 
Meera Thakkar, MSc sport and exercise science, UK

Ankle

Calf / Shin

Knee

Hamstring

Back Pain

Shoulder Pain

Elbow Pain

Wrist pain

INJURY PREVENTION SECTION

Hamstring injury

 They are among the most common injuries in sports. The main causes of hamstring injury are prolonged overuse of muscle tendon units in the leg and a single violent injury or force applied to the muscle-tendon unit in the leg.

Definition:  An injury to a hamstring tendon. The hamstrings connect to the muscles of the thigh to the back and side of the knee. These tendons can be felt behind the knee on either side. They feel like tough rope. Hamstring tendons, muscles and bone comprise units that stabilize the knee and allow its motion. The injury, usually a strain, occurs at the weakest part of a unit.

• Mild (Grade 1): Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no loss of strength
• Moderate (Grade 2): tearing of fibers of the muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. Strength is diminished.
• Severe (Grade 3): rupture of the muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress.

Signs and Symptoms

Ø      Pain when moving or stretching the leg

Ø      Muscle spasm of the injured muscles

Ø      Swelling over the injury

Ø      Weakened leg (moderate or severe strain)

Ø      “Cracking” feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with fingers

Ø      Calcification of the muscle or its tendons (visible with X-ray)

Ø      Inflammation of the sheath covering the Achilles’  tendon

HOW TO PREVENT

• Build your strength with a long term conditioning program.
• Warm-up adequately before practice or competition.
• Use proper protective equipment, such as knee pads and high pads, during participation in contact sports

HOW TO TREAT

·        First Aid- Use R.I.C.E technique (rest, ice, compression, elevation).

Continuing Care

·        Continue using an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day. Place ice cubes in a plastic bag. Wrap the bag in a moist towel, and place it over the injured area. Use for 20 minutes at a time.

·        After 24 hours, apply heat instead of ice if it feels better. Use hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads or heat ointments.

·        Wrap the injured leg with an elasticized bandage between ice and heat treatments.

·        Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Activity

·        For a moderate or severe injury, use crutches for at least 72 hours.

·        Resume your normal activities gradually.

       Diet

·        During recovery, eat a well balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Rehabilitation

·        Begin daily rehabilitation exercises when supportive wrapping is no longer needed.

·        Use ice massage for 10 minutes before and after exercise.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF

·        You have symptoms of a moderate or severe hamstring injury, or a mild injury persists longer than 10 days.

·        Pain or swelling worsens despite treatment.

·        Either of the following occurs with a cast or splints:

Pain, numbness or coldness below the injury.

Dusky, blue or grey toenails.

 Reference Griffith, W. (1989) ‘Sports Injuries’, HP Books, California.