Unfortunately, sports injuries can happen to anyone at any time. Whether the patient is a professional athlete or an avid sports player in their spare time, ultrasound can identify sports injuries before their condition deteriorates so they can seek treatment and make a speedy recovery.

Here we take a closer look at the most common sports injuries to affect professionals and amateurs alike.

  1. Calf tear

The muscle group at the back of the calf is particularly vital. It’s made up of two muscles, both of which attach to the Achilles tendon, a fact that means a calf tear or strain can be extremely painful. It’s also very common, especially among those who play squash, rugby, football and tennis.

Whilst anti-inflammatories, rest and physiotherapy are the only ways to rehabilitate the calf muscles after tears, an ultrasound scan can be used to investigate the extent of the damage.

  1. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the many ligaments that make up the knee. It connects the femur (thigh bone) with the tibia (shin bone), and whilst robust is subject to injury. Most ACL injuries occur when playing sports, with football, skiing and basketball the most common causes.

  1. Chondromalacia patellae

More commonly known as ‘runner’s knee’, chondromalacia patellae is a common but serious condition that can take several months to recover from. It actively softens the cartilage around the kneecap causing intense pain and swelling.

Whilst called runner’s knee, it’s commonly sustained by people who hike, ski, cycle or play football.

  1. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)

A common overuse injury among sportspeople, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is another condition that affects the knee. It causes the thickening of tissue, which results in sharp pain and aching, and can radiate towards the hips.

  1. Groin pull

The groin area is full of muscles, which can become pulled and strained due to overtraining. This injury is common in sports that require quick changes in direction, such as tennis, football and skiing.

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