Sports Injuries – General
Frequently asked Questions
Can an Acute Injury Turn Into a Chronic Problem?
Yes, if not properly treated, an acute injury can become a chronic issue. For example, a poorly managed ankle sprain may lead to long-term instability or recurring pain. Returning to activity too soon or ignoring rehabilitation can prevent the injury from healing fully, causing lingering symptoms or re-injury. Chronic problems may also develop when the body compensates for the original injury, putting extra stress on other joints or muscles. That’s why early diagnosis, rest, proper rehabilitation, and gradual return to sport are crucial. Following an orthopaedic guidance helps ensure acute injuries don’t turn into ongoing, chronic conditions.
What Role Does Age Play in Acute and Chronic Sports Injuries?
Age can influence both the type and frequency of sports injuries. Younger athletes often experience more acute injuries due to high-impact activities and growth-related changes in muscles and bones. In contrast, older adults are more prone to chronic injuries, as tissues become less flexible and recover more slowly over time. Additionally, adults returning to sports after a long break may overexert themselves, leading to overuse injuries. No matter your age, a well-balanced training plan, proper warm-ups, and recovery strategies can reduce your risk. Tailoring your activities to your age and fitness level is key to staying injury-free.
How Do You Know If You’re Fully Recovered from a Sports Injury?
Full recovery doesn’t just mean the pain is gone. True recovery from a sports injury—especially a chronic one—includes restoring strength, flexibility, stability, and full function to the injured area. A common mistake is returning to sport too soon, which can lead to setbacks. Signs you’re ready include being pain-free during daily and sport-specific movements, having equal strength and flexibility compared to the uninjured side, and being able to train without swelling or soreness afterward. A physiotherapist, sports doctor, or orthopaedic specialist can evaluate your recovery progress and design a personalized plan to help you safely return to your sport while minimizing the risk of getting injured again.
Why has my recovery from a sports injury suddenly slowed down after I was improving well?
It’s common to experience a “plateau” during sports injury recovery, where progress seems to slow even after initial improvement. This usually happens during tissue remodelling, as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage heal more slowly than muscles. These structures need carefully graded activity to build strength and proper alignment. Both doing too little or too much can stall progress. While frustrating, this stage is normal. Your physiotherapist can adjust your rehab programme to safely move you forward. Staying patient and avoiding premature return to sport helps ensure full recovery without long-term setbacks.