Brief, easy-to-understand answers to common sports injury, treatment, and rehabilitation questions.
Page 9 of 10
Delayed-onset muscle soreness usually begins several hours to a day after exercise, affects a broader area, and gradually improves. A strain often causes sudden local pain during activity and may include weakness, swelling, or bruising.
Read answerShin splints usually cause pain along a broader area of the tibia. A stress fracture more often causes focal bony tenderness and may hurt during walking or at rest. Persistent symptoms need professional assessment.
Read answerDo not continue running through the pain. Early bone stress injury may not be visible on X-ray, and a clinician may arrange MRI based on the symptoms and examination.
Read answerAchilles tendinopathy usually causes gradually developing pain and stiffness. A rupture is often sudden during push-off or jumping, with a pop, weakness, or inability to rise onto one set of toes. Examination and sometimes imaging confirm the diagnosis.
Read answerA high ankle sprain injures the ligaments between the tibia and fibula, with pain usually located above a typical lateral ankle sprain. Recovery may take longer, and ankle stability should be assessed.
Read answerPainless snapping often occurs when a tendon moves over a bony structure and usually needs no treatment. Pain, catching, or restricted motion warrants assessment of the labrum, tendons, and hip joint.
Read answerHeel pain during growth can result from repeated traction at the calcaneal growth plate. Running and jumping should be reduced and the child assessed if pain causes a limp or affects daily activity.
Read answerOsgood-Schlatter disease is a possible cause and is common during rapid growth in adolescents who do frequent running and jumping. It is usually managed by adjusting activity and improving flexibility and strength.
Read answerGolfer’s elbow mainly causes pain on the inside of the elbow, while tennis elbow mainly affects the outside. Both are commonly associated with repeated use of the forearm tendons, but rehabilitation targets differ.
Read answerYes. Tennis elbow is associated with repeated loading of the forearm extensor tendons. Lifting, tool use, typing, and racquet sports can all provoke pain on the outside of the elbow.
Read answerClicking without pain or weakness can often be observed. When it follows an injury or occurs with pain, instability, or loss of strength, examination should come first and can guide whether MRI or ultrasound is needed.
Read answerIt may indicate a biceps tendon rupture, often with sudden pain, bruising, or a change in strength. Some patients do not require surgery, but the location of the tear and functional needs should be assessed promptly.
Read answerYes. Long-head biceps tendon disorders commonly cause pain at the front of the shoulder, especially with overhead movement, lifting, or reaching behind the body.
Read answerRepeated overhead activity can irritate the rotator cuff tendons and subacromial bursa. Early care may include adjusting training load and working on rotator cuff and shoulder-blade control. Persistent pain should be assessed.
Read answerPatellar tendinopathy commonly causes localised pain below the kneecap that worsens with jumping, running, or squatting. Treatment usually focuses on load management and progressive strengthening.
Read answerRepeated swelling can indicate inflammation or structural damage inside the joint, including a meniscus, cartilage, or ligament problem. Reduce the provoking activity and arrange a clinical assessment.
Read answerSymptoms may include pain behind the knee, swelling, or instability when walking downstairs. Mild isolated injuries can often be managed non-operatively, while marked or multi-ligament instability needs further assessment.
Read answerMost isolated MCL injuries recover with bracing and rehabilitation. Surgery may be assessed for severe laxity, an avulsion injury, or damage involving other knee ligaments.
Read answerClicking without pain, swelling, or locking often needs no specific treatment. Clicking with pain, restricted motion, or a history of injury warrants assessment of the meniscus, cartilage, and patellofemoral joint.
Read answerCommon causes include patellofemoral pain, patellar tendon disorders, and cartilage injury. Assessment considers the pain location, patellar tracking, lower-limb strength, and movement pattern.
Read answerBoth surgical and non-surgical treatment may be appropriate. The plan depends on the extent and timing of the tear, age, health, and activity goals. Structured immobilisation and rehabilitation are important with either approach.
Read answerSome people can still walk with difficulty, so walking does not rule out a rupture. Seek prompt assessment after a pop followed by pain behind the heel, weakness, or inability to rise onto the toes of one leg.
Read answerLigament laxity, reduced strength, and impaired balance or proprioception can all contribute. A structured strength and balance programme can help lower the risk of recurrence.
Read answerReduced swelling is only one part of recovery. Range of motion, strength, balance, and sport-specific movement should also be assessed, without significant pain or instability during running, jumping, or cutting.
Read answerSeek assessment if you cannot bear weight, have marked tenderness over a foot or ankle bone, deformity, or severe pain and swelling. A clinician can decide whether an X-ray is needed to rule out fracture.
Read answerActivity modification, medication, and rehabilitation can often be tried first. Arthroscopy may be assessed when symptoms persist, function is substantially limited, and testing confirms relevant labral or structural damage.
Read answerNo. Some people have these bony shapes without symptoms. Targeted treatment is considered when the symptoms, physical examination, and imaging findings correspond.
Read answerYes. Hip impingement can cause groin pain during squatting, turning, or deep hip flexion. Tendon, labral, and other hip disorders can produce similar symptoms.
Read answerRepeated dislocations may damage the labrum, ligaments, or bone. Surgery can repair or reconstruct stabilising structures, but the decision also depends on recurrence, age, and sporting goals.
Read answerDo not try to force the shoulder back into place yourself or ask an untrained person to do so. This can worsen a fracture or nerve and blood vessel injury. Support the arm and seek urgent medical care.
Read answer