Sports orthopaedics deals with the effects of sport on the musculoskeletal system. On the one hand, this concerns the positive effects that sport and muscle training have on bones, joints, muscles and ligaments. On the other hand, sports orthopaedics also deals with typical sports injuries. The focus here is on the treatment of injuries and the rehabilitation of athletes and recreational sportspeople.
Sports orthopaedists also conduct research into how sports injuries can be prevented. Sports orthopaedics is part of sports medicine and orthopaedics , which in turn are part of human medicine.
In both areas, sports orthopaedics is not clearly defined and is not considered a separate and independent field. It doesn't always have to be bone fractures , meniscus tears or cruciate ligament ruptures : Tense muscles in the shoulders and neck, bruises, tennis elbows or sprains also fall into the field of sports orthopaedics. Sports orthopaedics often deals with large joints such as the shoulder, knee , ankle or elbow. This involves not only bones and joints, but also tendons, muscles and ligaments.
In Germany, the most common sports injuries occur in soccer , but jogging, tennis and other ball sports also keep orthopaedists busy. The therapies are just as varied as the injuries and complaints that orthopaedists treat. The PECH rule has established itself as an effective immediate measure:. These measures help to minimize the damage caused by muscle and joint injuries. Sports orthopaedists also treat patients with pain-relieving medication in the form of ointments, injections or tablets.
Occasionally, other medications are also used, for example as part of infiltration therapy. Sports orthopaedists use injection therapy to support the regeneration and healing of muscles or cartilage. Chronic complaints can often be alleviated by physiotherapy, physical therapy or remedial gymnastics.
