Distinguishing Between Chronic and Acute Sports Injuries
Those who participate in sports have most likely experienced an injury at some point. These types of injuries range from minor discomfort to more serious conditions that require medical attention. Regardless of the severity, it is important to know whether an injury is chronic or acute.
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How are acute and chronic sports injuries distinguished?
Acute sports injuries occur suddenly and result from trauma to the affected area. An acute injury is caused by a specific incident. Chronic sports injuries, also known as overuse injuries, develop over time.
An acute injury is characterised by:
- Sudden pain
- Swelling, redness and tenderness in the area
- Limited range of motion
- Weakness in the injured area
- Deformity of the limb, especially in cases of fractures
- Dizziness, headache, nausea
Chronic injuries are slightly different, but they are usually fairly easy to identify. The pain begins gradually, usually over weeks or even months. Certain activities, such as running, playing tennis or swimming, may worsen the pain, but the cause of the pain is not always obvious.
Chronic sports injuries are characterised by:
- Pain and tenderness in the area, particularly during and immediately after activity
- Swelling and limited range of motion
- Pain at rest
Chronic injuries make the athlete more prone to acute injuries, while acute injuries may lead to chronic problems if they are not treated properly.
Examples of chronic and acute sports injuries
Both chronic and acute injuries are quite common in all types of sports. Below are some examples of the most common chronic and acute injuries.
Acute injuries:
- Fractures (clavicle, wrist, ankle)
- Ankle sprain
- Shoulder dislocation
- Shoulder tendon tear
- Meniscus tear
- Anterior cruciate ligament tear
Chronic injuries:
Frequently asked questions
What is tennis elbow?
It is a chronic overuse injury that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. It usually gets better after resting the arm for a few weeks, but it can sometimes last more than a year. It is more common in people aged 35 to 54.
When does sports-related pain need assessment?
Chronic pain, such as tennis elbow, should be assessed if it has not eased after at least 2 weeks of rest and self-care. An acute injury needs urgent assessment if you heard a crack, the area has changed shape, it is numb, or you cannot put weight on it.
What should I do straight after an acute sports injury?
Stop the activity and avoid putting weight on the injury, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours, support the area with a bandage during the day and keep it raised as much as possible.
Whether you are an athlete or simply stay active, it is likely that at some point you will experience either an acute or a chronic injury. For runners, swimmers, hikers and cyclists, chronic injuries are more common. In contact sports, acute injuries are more likely to occur, and these may become chronic if they are not treated properly.
Whether your injury is chronic or acute, it is important to treat it promptly. Contact specialist orthopaedic surgeon Andreas Leonidou to receive a comprehensive diagnosis as well as recommendations for effective treatment options.
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