Staying active through sports or exercise is a great way to stay healthy and reduce stress. But with every workout or sport we do, whether it’s tennis, golf, gym, or running, there’s always the chance of injury.

Sometimes, a little pain after a workout is normal. But what if the pain doesn’t go away, gets worse, or feels unusual?

Let’s dive into what causes sports injuries, how to treat them, and when surgery might be needed.

Why Sports Injuries Happen

According to dr. Muhammad Alvin Shiddieqy Pohan, Sp.OT (K), Orthopedic Specialist Consultant Sports Injury Mayapada Hospital Tangerang, injuries often happen due to poor preparation, incorrect technique, or overuse.

Some common injuries include:

• Sprains: When joints are stretched beyond their limit (ankle, wrist, knee).
• Strains: Pulled or stretched muscles (back, thigh, calf).
• Fractures: Cracks or breaks in bones from pressure or falls.
• Dislocations: When bones in a joint move out of place.

Certain sports can cause specific injuries:

• Shoulder injuries: From tennis, swimming, golf.
• Elbow injuries: From tennis or badminton.
• Knee and calf injuries: From running, football, or jumping.
• Back pain: From cycling or lifting.

Also read: 5 Health Checks to Do Before Starting an Exercise Program

From the various common injuries mentioned above, you may also be thinking about how this injury can be treated, when to see a doctor, or what if the injury doesn’t heal.

Remember PRICE, Your Go-To First Aid Guide for Sports Injuries

For minor injuries, Dr. Reyner Valiant Tumbelaka, M.Ked.Klin, Sp.OT, Orthopedic Specialist at Mayapada Hospital Surabaya recommends the PRICE method within the first 24–36 hours:

• Protection: Protecting the injured area with a splint/support.
• Rest: Stopping sports activities so that the body can recover.
• Ice: Compressing the injured area with ice using a thin towel for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours.
• Compression: compressing with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
• Elevation: Lifting the injured part higher than other parts of the body to reduce swelling.

But if the pain continues or gets worse even after performing the PRICE method, don’t wait. See a doctor right away.

When to See a Doctor (or Consider Surgery)?

You should get medical help if you notice:

• Swelling or bruising that worsens
• Sharp or persistent pain
• A visible lump or change in shape
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Joint clicking or popping
• Loss of balance
• Fever after injury

dr. Petrasama, Sp.OT (K), Orthopedic Specialist Consultant for Sports Injuries at Mayapada Hospital Tangerang, explains that non-operative treatment of injuries consists of administering drugs to reduce pain and relieve swelling.

“Then, reducing the frequency of body movement (immobilization) with the help of light elastic bandages and light braces that function as external supports. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation modalities include sports massage, electrical stimulation through the skin, ultrasound, shockwave therapy, laser, to joint range of motion exercises and muscle strengthening,” he said.
 

Serious injuries even require surgical intervention to address the complaint comprehensively. Operative intervention can be done in various ways, one of which is Arthroscopy.

“Handling of injuries with arthroscopy is done with minimally invasive techniques for diagnosis and treatment of problems in the joint. This technique minimizes pain and the risk of infection is smaller and recovery is fast. This operation is carried out based on evaluation and diagnosis from a comprehensive examination,” said Dr. Sapto Adji Hardjosworo, Sp.OT (K), Orthopedic Specialist Consultant for Sports Injuries at Mayapada Hospital, South Jakarta.

Where to Get Help in Indonesia?

Don't worry, Indonesia has Mayapada Hospital with its Sports Injury Treatment and Performance Center (SITPEC) service that provides comprehensive international standard care for treating sports injuries, from minor to severe injuries that require advanced. It’s ideal for anyone with an active lifestyle, including expats.

SITPEC has a team of expert orthopedic doctors and sports physiotherapists who are professional in handle everything from minor injuries to advanced surgeries like arthroscopy.

Book Easily via MyCare

Consultation with a sports medicine specialist at SITPEC Mayapada Hospital is easy to do by simply making booking through Mayapada Hospital’s MyCare application. You can book check-ups, access the Health Article & Tips feature containing health information and tips as well as the Personal Health feature connected to Google Fit and Health Access to track your steps, calories, heart rate, and body Mass Index (BMI).

Download MyCare on the App Store or Google Play Store and get reward points for health services at Mayapada Hospital.
 

Next: Surgery for Weight Loss? Here’s What Doctors Say and How it Works

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