When is it necessary to seek medical help for a sports injury?

Skiing is an exciting and challenging sport that offers a lot of experiences, but unfortunately, the risk of injuries is also high. Various accidents, such as falls, can easily occur, and in many cases, the knee bears the brunt of the load. Knee injuries are not only painful but can also affect our mobility in the long term. Proper treatment and appropriate rehabilitation are crucial for returning to the sport as soon as possible.

When the knee is injured, the pain serves as an immediate warning to the body to protect the injured area. In many cases, if the injury is not severe, walking may be possible after the pain subsides, which leads many to postpone medical examination. However, it is important not to underestimate the severity of the injury, and if the pain persists, professional help should definitely be sought.

The treatment of knee injuries often begins with simple rest and home care, but if the complaints do not decrease, medical intervention may be necessary.

Types and Symptoms of Knee Injuries

Knee injuries can take various forms, with the most common being sprains, bruises, and ligament or cartilage injuries. As a result of a fall, the joint surfaces of the knee may collide, causing bruising. Signs of this may include swelling and pain that appears within a few hours. If the knee suddenly swells, this may indicate bleeding in the joint, which requires urgent medical intervention.

A sprain occurs when the ends of the knee bones are displaced from their usual position. This movement is due to force and may involve injury to the ligaments and the joint capsule. If the injury is severe, surgery may be needed to repair the ligaments. The rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is particularly common in accidents, and the recovery period is longer, as the regeneration of connective tissue can take up to 45 days.

The menisci, which act as “shock absorbers” for the knee, can also be injured. Such injuries often require surgical intervention, where specialists repair the problematic areas. Accurate diagnosis of injuries is made through physical examination and imaging techniques, such as X-rays or ultrasound.

First Aid and Rehabilitation

The first aid for knee injuries includes key steps such as rest, icing, elevation, and bandaging. These basic measures help reduce swelling and pain. In the first few hours, especially after significant falls, it is advisable to treat the injured area with a cold pack to mitigate inflammation. Bandaging can help stabilize the knee, while elevation promotes blood circulation.

If pain and swelling do not decrease, or if the range of motion is severely limited, a doctor should be consulted. The expertise of an orthopedic surgeon is essential for diagnosing and treating more serious injuries. During rehabilitation, physical therapy plays a key role in restoring knee function. The exercises gradually increase the range of motion, strengthen the muscles, and aid in the regeneration of the injured area.

Proper rehabilitation is essential for athletes to safely and effectively return to skiing or any other sport. Early medical intervention and professional rehabilitation ensure that the risk of future accidents is reduced and that the knee remains healthy.