Staying active is one of the best gifts you can give your body. Whether you’re jogging along Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, playing a friendly game of football, or simply enjoying your daily gym session, movement keeps your heart strong, your joints flexible, and your mind refreshed. But with the benefits of an active lifestyle also comes a risk: sports injuries.
As an orthopedic surgeon, I often see patients who come to me worried and frustrated after sustaining an injury. Some fear they’ll never return to their favorite sport, while others are anxious about whether surgery will be needed. The good news is: most sports injuries can be managed, and many can be prevented with the right habits and awareness.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the five most common sports injuries, how they happen, how we treat them, and—most importantly—how you can reduce your risk of getting them in the first place.
Understanding Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are not limited to professional athletes. They affect anyone who leads an active lifestyle—or sometimes, even people in jobs that put repetitive stress on their joints. A factory worker may develop “tennis elbow,” a teacher may get shoulder impingement from writing on a board, and a young footballer may experience a knee ligament tear.
Broadly, sports injuries fall into two categories:
- Acute injuries: happen suddenly (like twisting your ankle or falling).
- Chronic injuries: develop over time due to overuse (like tendinitis or shin splints).
While each injury is unique, they often share common risk factors: poor warm-up, overtraining, sudden changes in intensity, lack of proper footwear, or even anatomical factors like joint laxity. Book an appointment with Dr. Usama Saleh today
The Top 5 Sports Injuries
Let’s look at the injuries I most frequently see in my patients here in the UAE.
1. Sprains and Strains
What happens?
- A sprain is when a ligament (the strong band that connects bones at a joint) is overstretched or torn.
- A strain affects muscles or tendons (the tissues connecting muscles to bones).
Where they occur most often:
- Sprains: ankles, knees, wrists.
- Strains: hamstrings, lower back, calves.
Symptoms:
- Sudden pain, swelling, bruising.
- Limited movement or weakness in the joint or muscle.
- Sometimes a “popping” sound at the moment of injury. Book an appointment with Dr. Usama Saleh today
Treatment:
- Mild cases respond well to the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
- Moderate to severe cases may need physiotherapy, bracing, or—in rare cases—surgery if there’s a complete tear.
Prevention tips:
- Warm up before activity.
- Strengthen supporting muscles around joints.
- Wear supportive shoes, especially if running on hard surfaces.
- Avoid pushing your body when overly fatigued.
2. Knee Ligament Injuries (especially ACL tears)
The knee is one of the most vulnerable joints in sports. Among its four major ligaments, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is particularly prone to injury.
How it happens:
- Sudden stops, sharp changes in direction, or awkward landings from jumps.
- Common in football, basketball, skiing, and even fitness classes with high-impact movements.
Symptoms:
- A loud “pop” at the time of injury.
- Immediate swelling and instability (the knee feels like it may “give way”).
- Pain when bearing weight.
Treatment:
- Minor sprains may heal with rest, bracing, and physiotherapy.
- Significant ACL tears often require surgical reconstruction, especially for active individuals who want to return to sports.
- Post-surgery rehabilitation is essential for regaining stability and strength. Book an appointment with Dr. Usama Saleh today
Prevention tips:
- Focus on neuromuscular training: exercises that improve balance, coordination, and landing techniques.
- Strengthen thigh (quadriceps and hamstrings) and hip muscles.
- Avoid playing through fatigue, as tired muscles increase risk.
3. Shoulder Injuries (Rotator Cuff & Impingement)
Your shoulder is an incredibly mobile joint—but this mobility also makes it less stable.
Common injuries include:
- Rotator cuff tears or inflammation: tendons that stabilize the shoulder get irritated or torn.
- Impingement: when the shoulder blade presses on the soft tissues as you lift your arm.
Who’s at risk:
- Swimmers, tennis players, weightlifters, and workers with overhead activities (like painters).
Symptoms:
- Pain when lifting the arm overhead.
- Weakness or clicking sensation.
- Limited range of motion.
Treatment:
- Physiotherapy is the first line: stretching, strengthening, posture correction.
- Corticosteroid injections may help in some cases.
- Surgery is needed if conservative methods fail or in full-thickness rotator cuff tears.
Prevention tips:
- Strengthen shoulder stabilizers (rotator cuff and scapular muscles).
- Avoid repetitive overhead movements without rest.
- Ensure proper technique in sports like tennis or weight training.
4. Shin Splints
If you’re a runner—or even someone who suddenly increased their walking or gym sessions—you may know this one.
What happens?
- “Shin splints” refers to pain along the shinbone (tibia), caused by inflammation where muscles attach to the bone.
Symptoms:
- Dull, aching pain in the front or inner shin.
- Worsens with running, jumping, or prolonged walking.
Treatment:
- Rest and activity modification.
- Ice packs and anti-inflammatory measures.
- Proper footwear and orthotics if needed.
Prevention tips:
- Increase activity intensity gradually (the “10% rule”: don’t increase mileage or intensity more than 10% per week).
- Choose supportive shoes designed for your foot type.
- Cross-train—alternate running with swimming or cycling to reduce repetitive stress. Book an appointment with Dr. Usama Saleh today
5. Ankle Sprains
One of the most frequent sports injuries I treat.
How it happens:
- Rolling the ankle inward, stretching or tearing ligaments.
- Common in football, basketball, volleyball, and even walking on uneven ground.
Symptoms:
- Swelling, bruising, tenderness.
- Pain when bearing weight.
- Sometimes instability if ligaments are severely torn.
Treatment:
- Mild sprains: RICE method + gradual return to activity.
- Severe sprains: immobilization with a brace or boot; physiotherapy for stability.
- Rarely, surgery for chronic instability.
Prevention tips:
- Strengthen ankle and foot muscles with balance exercises.
- Always wear sport-appropriate footwear.
- Tape or brace the ankle if you’ve had repeated sprains.
Diagnosis: How We Identify a Sports Injury
When patients come to my clinic, the first step is a detailed history: how the injury happened, what you felt, and when symptoms appear. Then I perform a physical examination to check movement, strength, and stability.
If needed, I order imaging:
- X-rays for fractures or dislocations.
- MRI for ligament, tendon, or cartilage injuries.
- Ultrasound for soft tissue evaluation.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of injury:
- Conservative care: rest, physiotherapy, bracing, and medications.
- Minimally invasive procedures: injections (like platelet-rich plasma or corticosteroids).
- Surgical repair or reconstruction: for severe ligament tears, fractures, or tendon ruptures.
What matters most is rehabilitation—guided physiotherapy is crucial not just for healing, but also for preventing recurrence.
Recovery & Returning to Sports
Recovery times vary widely:
- Minor sprains or strains: a few weeks.
- ACL reconstruction: 6–9 months.
- Rotator cuff surgery: 4–6 months.
Rushing back too early can lead to reinjury. I always advise my patients: listen to your body, and trust the recovery process. Book an appointment with Dr. Usama Saleh today
Preventing Sports Injuries
Prevention is always better than cure. Some golden rules:
- Warm up before, cool down after.
- Build overall fitness before starting a specific sport.
- Train smart: increase intensity gradually.
- Prioritize rest and recovery days.
- Invest in proper footwear and protective gear.
- Stay hydrated and eat balanced, nutrient-rich meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to see a doctor for every sports injury?
Not always. Minor sprains and strains can often be managed at home. But if you experience severe pain, swelling, deformity, or inability to bear weight, you should see a doctor immediately.
2. Can sports injuries be fully prevented?
While not all can be avoided, risk can be greatly reduced with conditioning, proper technique, and protective gear.
3. How do I know if my knee injury needs surgery?
If you experience repeated instability, locking, or inability to return to activity despite physiotherapy, surgery may be recommended.
4. Are children at higher risk of sports injuries?
Yes, especially at the growth plates. That’s why proper coaching, technique, and age-appropriate training are important.
5. How soon can I return to sport after injury?
It depends on the type and severity of injury. Always follow your doctor’s guidance—returning too soon increases the chance of reinjury.
A Caring Note
Sports should be a source of joy, not frustration. If you’ve been sidelined by an injury, know that with the right treatment and recovery plan, most patients return to their favorite activities—even stronger than before.
If you’re dealing with pain, instability, or a sports-related injury, I’d be glad to guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and a safe return to the activities you love.
👉 Book an appointment with Dr. Usama Saleh today to take the first step toward recovery.
About Dr. Usama Saleh
Dr. Usama H. Saleh is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive training and international expertise in shoulder, knee, elbow, wrist, and hip conditions. With a fellowship in Upper Extremity Surgery from the University of Toronto and memberships in prestigious organizations such as the Royal College of Surgeons of England, AO Trauma, and the AAOS, Dr. Saleh combines advanced surgical techniques with a patient-first approach.
His philosophy is simple: every patient deserves personalized care, clear guidance, and the most effective treatment—whether surgical or non-surgical. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Saleh is an active researcher, faculty member, and speaker at international conferences, ensuring that his patients always benefit from the latest medical advances.
Take the Next Step
If you are struggling with shoulder pain or any orthopedic issue, don’t wait until it gets worse. Book a consultation with Dr. Usama Saleh today and take the first step toward restoring your mobility and quality of life.
