For many people, sports are integral to their overall health and emotional wellbeing. The benefits of playing sports far outweigh the risks, but injuries are a possibility—especially in high-contact team activities.
Any injury can cause pain and inactivity, making rehabilitation integral to your recovery. Failing to seek treatment for sports injuries can worsen your symptoms and cause long-term effects.
In this guide, we'll explore the importance of seeking treatment after an injury and how you can ensure a speedy recovery.
Common sports injuries in men
Men are at risk of numerous sports-related injuries, with some being more severe than others. They include:
- Sprains and fractures: Sprains typically occur on the wrists and ankles; most take a couple of weeks to heal. Basic fractures heal in around six weeks, but severe fractures can take months.
- Achilles injuries: The Achilles tendon connects the lower leg to the heel and is vital for walking and mobility. Injuries such as tendinopathy can occur due to excessive activity or training mistakes.
- Knee injuries: Some knee injuries, such as ACL tears and runner's knee, might require surgery and long-term physiotherapy.
- Tennis elbow: Another common injury is tennis elbow, which usually happens due to overuse of the arm.
- Head injuries: Rugby players and people who participate in contact sports are at higher risk of concussions and other head injuries.
- Rotator cuff issues: The shoulder is one of the most important joints in your body, and overuse can result in shoulder impingement or rotator cuff injuries.
Why treating sports injuries is essential for men
Dealing with a sports-related injury means managing pain and avoiding certain activities. While it might be tempting to let sports injuries heal on their own, the long-term complications can impact mobility and athletic performance.
Seeking specialist treatment ensures you have support to manage your symptoms and return to the activities you enjoy.
Promoting healing
Once your initial treatment is over, further interventions will speed up healing. For example, many people attend physiotherapy after a fracture because it ensures better mobility and helps manage pain.
Some injuries, such as tennis elbow and repetitive strains, can heal quicker when you know how to treat them.
Returning to activities
Professional athletes often undergo intensive therapy to ensure they can return to sporting activities. However, if you play sports recreationally, treatment can speed up your recovery, resulting in less downtime.
For individuals who get their main exercise from playing sports, a faster recovery gives them the opportunity to maintain their weight and overall health.
Preventing long-term complications
Long-term complications are common with many sports injuries, and the effects can limit your ability to perform certain movements. When you neglect your symptoms, the injury can cause ongoing pain and impact your mobility.
Treatment is key to the healing process and what comes after it. Giving your body optimal support ensures the injuries don't reoccur.
Maintaining your wellbeing
Sports injuries aren't just about physical pain; they can also impact your mental health and emotional wellbeing. According to research published by the NIH, injuries can cause depression and low self-esteem.
While professional athletes are most at risk, inactivity can impact your motivation and mood, resulting in a lower quality of life. With treatment being critical to a speedier recovery, there's a strong link between rehabilitation and enhanced mental health.
Treatment options for sports injuries
With a multitude of treatment options available for sports injuries, it's essential to consider which aligns with your needs and the extent of your injury.
While some general sprains and fractures will heal with minimal support, severe injuries might require months of intensive therapy. Let's explore the most popular treatments.
RICE Method
For basic injuries, the RICE method is often the first port of call. The acronym stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Using this method for the first 24 to 36 hours after an injury can reduce swelling and minimise discomfort.
It's more effective for strains and pulled muscles, as fractures and other injuries will still require medical attention.
Physiotherapy
Often considered as a gold standard of sports medicine, physiotherapy is an impactive treatment option that aims to restore your mobility. It's available for repetitive strain injuries, fractures and tendon tears.
Some people might require a few sessions of physiotherapy, but others could attend it as a long-term solution for prolonged injuries.
Surgery
Unfortunately, some injuries require surgery, including severe fractures, ACL tears, injuries to the Achilles tendon and rotator cuff tears. If you've tried other options and it's still impossible to participate in activities, your specialist might recommend surgery.
The recovery time from surgery depends on the type of operation you have, but it can be the best way to regain your mobility and prevent the injury from recurring.
At the Eden Clinic for Men, we treat each patient according to their needs, putting together treatment plans that offer the fastest recovery while addressing all aspects of injury rehabilitation.
Top tips for preventing sports injuries:
- Know your limits: When participating in sports, know your body's limits. People who are new to running or other activities will have less mobility than seasoned athletes.
- Technique is key: Whether it's knowing how to hold a racquet, maintaining the correct posture or positioning your body correctly, technique is critical to preventing injuries.
- Invest in equipment: From running shoes to protective gear, equipment can shield your body from injuries.
- Take it easy: When returning to sports after an injury, take it easy and gradually build up to full activities. This prevents further injuries and ensures a smoother recovery.
The bottom line
Sports injuries can significantly impact your life, but the proper support means you can return to your favourite activities. Prioritising a full recovery is more important than a speedy one, but the Eden Clinic for Men is here to help you through the journey.
Our experts can assess your injuries and create a bespoke treatment plan that suits your needs. Please get in touch with us today for an appointment.
