Play Sport, Play Safe: Your Guide to Common Sports Injuries

Singapore Expats Association
Sep 9
5 min read

In an effort to provide greater value to the expatriate community in Singapore, the Expat Association has partnered with Altius Clinic Singapore. This collaboration aims to raise awareness about common sports injuries and the importance of safe, active living. With more expatriates engaging in sports and fitness activities, the partnership provides trusted medical insights and guidance to help members of the community stay healthy, prevent injuries, and recover effectively when needed.

“An active lifestyle is a cornerstone of a healthy life, but it can come with inherent risks. They can sideline anyone, from a professional athlete to a weekend warrior, from sprains and strains to ligament tears or fractures.”, says Dr Gavin, specialist in orthopaedic.

Altiusclinic Fullset-2400 — Altius Clinic Doctors' Team

“According to reports, one in five Singapore residents participates in sports or exercises at least once a week. It also reveals that males account for a higher percentage of sports-related injuries at 61% compared to females. These statistics highlight the importance of not only being physically active but also being mindful of the risks and knowing when to seek professional help”, Dr Christopher added.

Both orthopaedic surgeons at Altius Clinic Singapore and founders, Dr Christopher Pearce and Dr Gavin O’Neill, believe that understanding the signs and symptoms, how they are diagnosed, and the treatment options available is crucial for a swift and effective recovery. Here is a breakdown of common sports injuries:

1. ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tears

This is a serious knee injury that often occurs during sports that require sudden stops, pivots, or changes in direction.

Signs & Symptoms

A distinct "popping" sound or sensation at the time of injury.
Severe pain and the inability to continue the activity.
Rapid knee swelling within a few hours.
A feeling of instability, or the knee "giving way," especially when trying to bear weight.

2. Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are among the most common sports injuries, resulting from a twist or roll that overstretches or tears the ligaments.

Signs & Symptoms

Pain, particularly when bearing weight on the ankle.
Swelling and bruising around the injured area.
Tenderness to the touch over the ligaments.
Difficulty walking or a feeling of instability.

3. Meniscus Tears

A meniscus tear involves damage to the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in the knee. It is often caused by forceful twisting or pivoting of the knee.

Signs & Symptoms:

An acute pain.
Swelling, which may not appear for a few hours.
A "catching" or "locking" sensation in the knee when trying to move it.
Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee.
Knee instability or a feeling of it "giving way."

4. Rotator Cuff Injuries

This injury affects the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder, often from repetitive overhead motions in sports like swimming, golf, and weightlifting.

Signs & Symptoms

Dull ache deep in the shoulder.
Pain that worsens at night, especially when lying on the affected side.
Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm.
A crackling or clicking sensation (crepitus) when moving the shoulder.

5. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

This is an overuse injury of the tendons in the forearm, caused by repetitive wrist extension and gripping.

Signs & Symptoms

Pain or tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.
Weakness in the forearm and grip strength.
Pain that worsens when lifting, gripping objects, or twisting the wrist.
Difficulty fully straightening the arm.

6. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Shin splints are characterized by pain along the shinbone, caused by repetitive stress from activities like running or jumping.

Signs & Symptoms

A dull, aching pain along the inner edge of the shinbone.
The pain often gets worse during exercise and improves with rest.
Tenderness and mild swelling in the area.

7. Stress Fractures

These are tiny cracks in a bone, usually in the lower leg or foot, caused by repetitive force and overuse. They are a common progression of untreated shin splints.

Signs & Symptoms

Pain that begins with activity and gets progressively worse.
The pain may initially go away with rest but eventually becomes constant.
Focal tenderness and swelling in a specific spot on the bone.
Pain when bearing weight on the affected limb.

Knowing when to seek medical advice is crucial for a proper diagnosis and effective recovery. While minor sprains and aches can often be managed with rest and home care, such as the R.I.C.E. method, more severe or persistent symptoms require professional attention.

Immediate Medical Attention (Go to the Accident & Emergency Department)

Seek urgent care if you experience any of these signs to determine whether your injury is a more serious issue that requires a professional diagnosis and a targeted treatment plan.

Visible Deformity: if a bone or joint looks out of place, is at an odd angle, or is visibly sticking out of the skin.
Inability to Bear Weight: If you cannot put any weight on a limb, especially a leg, ankle, or foot.
Sudden, Severe Pain: An excruciating pain that makes it impossible to continue the activity or move the injured area.
Loss of Function: You are unable to move a joint or limb normally.
Signs of Nerve Damage: Numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the injured area.
Unusual Sounds: Hearing a distinct "pop," "snap," or grinding sound at the time of the injury.
Head or Spine Injury: Any loss of consciousness, confusion, severe headache, dizziness, or neck/back pain following a fall or impact.

When to seek medical advice

Make an appointment with your family doctor if these symptoms are not getting better with basic care:

Persistent Pain: The pain does not improve after a few days of rest and initial treatment, or it worsens over time.
Lingering Swelling or Bruising: Swelling or bruising that doesn't go down within a few days.
Joint Instability: A joint feels loose, "gives way," or buckles during normal activities.
Reduced Range of Motion: You have a hard time moving the injured area or cannot move it through its full range.
Recurring Pain: An old injury that seemed to heal returns with pain when you resume activity.
Pain at Rest: Experiencing a dull ache even when you are not active.

Prevention

By adopting this proactive approach, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury and continue to enjoy your favorite sports safely. Some essential tips, combining general best practices with insights relevant to Singapore's climate and common activities, include:

1. Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down

2. Strength and Conditioning

3. Use Proper Technique and Equipment

4. Gradual Progression and Rest

5. Hydration and Nutrition

This article has been reviewed by Dr Christhoper Pearce and Dr Gavin O’Neill, Altius Clinic Sports and Orthopaedic Surgeons Singapore.