Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine

Arthroscopy and sports medicine offer comprehensive assessment and management of a wide gamut of sports-related injuries. Arthroscopy is an advanced technique that allows doctors to assess and treat certain joint problems using a minimally invasive approach, with the help of a precise imaging modality known as an arthroscope. Sports medicine deals with the effective management of orthopaedic injuries in athletes.

What is Arthroscopy? 
Arthroscopy is an advanced orthopaedic intervention that has revolutionised the diagnosis and treatment of various orthopaedic conditions, using a minimally invasive approach. The procedure involves the use of a special device known as an Arthroscope, which has a narrow tube fitted with a fibre optic camera on one of its ends. The tube is inserted inside the patient's body via a tiny incision and guided to assess the problem with the help of live images that are generated on a high-definition screen. In some cases, doctors may even treat the condition using the same approach, with the help of special surgical tools. 

Who needs Arthroscopy? 
Arthroscopy is most commonly used in sports medicine to ensure the robust recovery of players. However, it can also be used for treating patients suffering from a variety of other conditions related to the following:

• Knees
• Shoulder 
• Ankle
• Elbow
• Wrist
• Hips

What is sports medicine?
Injuries can be sustained anywhere/anytime, especially when you indulge in rigorous physical activities on a regular basis. This especially holds true for sportsmen and athletes, who are vulnerable to such sports injuries. Sports medicine is a dedicated speciality of orthopaedics that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, assessment and management of such injuries through various surgical and non-surgical means. It also involves physiotherapy and rehabilitation to help the players and athletes get back on the field and resume their sports.

What are the common sports injuries?
Some of the most common sports injuries include:
●    Sprains and strains
●    Rotator cuff tears 
●    Achilles tendon injury
●    Fracture 
●    Bone/Joint dislocation
●    Tennis elbow
●    Groin pull
●    ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)
●    Ankle injury

What are the symptoms of sports injury?
Most people know that they have sustained a sports injury as soon as they are injured. This is known as an acute sports injury. Some of the common symptoms associated with acute sports injuries include:
●    Extreme pain and discomfort 
●    Swelling 
●    Bruising 
●    Inability to use the affected limb
●    Inability to move the affected limb
●    Visible dislocation or fracture 

Some sports injuries are not acute but a result of years of wear and tear. These are commonly referred to as chronic injuries and their symptoms tend to develop gradually with time. Some of the most common symptoms  include:
●    Experiencing pain and discomfort while doing any physical activity
●    Experiencing pain when you are putting strain on the affected limb
●    Swelling and tenderness in the affected area

When is the right time to see a doctor? 

In case of an acute sports injury, it is advisable to see a doctor as soon as you are injured. As far as a chronic sports injury is concerned, you should see a specialist if you have been experiencing any of the associated symptoms.