Top 5 Sports Injuries: Symptoms & Treatments

The Growing Prevalence of Sports Injuries in Singapore

Sports-related injuries are becoming increasingly common, especially among youth and young adults. Lower limb injuries, particularly those involving the knee and ankle, are frequently seen in active individuals. This trend reflects the rising participation in recreational and competitive sports across the country.

5 Most Common Sports Injuries in Singapore

Sports injuries are common across all levels of athletic activity, from amateurs to professional athletes. The 5 most common include:

1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

An ACL tear is a serious knee injury commonly seen in sports that involve sudden stops, pivots, or directional changes, such as football, basketball, and rugby.

Symptoms:

• A "popping" sensation at the time of injury
• Sudden knee swelling and severe pain
• Limited range of motion
• Instability or the feeling of the knee giving way

Treatment:

MRI imaging is commonly used to confirm the diagnosis. Non-surgical management includes bracing and physiotherapy. However, severe or complete tears often require ACL reconstruction surgery, which may be performed using minimally invasive arthroscopy.

Learn more here: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury and Reconstruction

2. Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are overstretched or torn, typically due to twisting or rolling the ankle. These injuries are especially common in sports that involve running, jumping, or quick lateral movements.

Symptoms:

• Swelling, bruising, and tenderness
• Instability or a feeling of the ankle giving way
• Pain during walking or bearing weight

Treatment:

Mild sprains can be managed with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and physiotherapy. For recurrent sprains or ligament instability, surgical intervention may be required.

Learn more here: Ankle Sprain Treatments in Singapore

3. Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries involve damage to the muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder. They often result from repetitive overhead motions and are frequently seen in sports like swimming, golf, or weightlifting.

Symptoms:

• Shoulder pain, especially when lifting or rotating the arm
• Weakness or fatigue in the shoulder
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty sleeping on the affected side

Treatment:

Conservative treatments for rotator cuff injuries include anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy. Full-thickness tears often require arthroscopic shoulder repair.

4. Meniscus Tears

A meniscus tear refers to damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. It usually occurs from twisting movements or direct impact and is common in contact sports or those requiring frequent pivoting, such as football and rugby.

Symptoms:

• Pain, especially during twisting or squatting
• Swelling or stiffness
• Locking, catching, or instability in the knee
• Difficulty fully straightening the leg

Treatment:

Meniscus injuries are diagnosed with a physical examination and, in most cases, an MRI. Depending on severity, treatment ranges from physiotherapy to arthroscopic meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy.

Learn more here: Meniscus Tears

5. Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that affects the tendons in the forearm. It is typically caused by repetitive wrist extension and gripping and is most often associated with racket sports and repetitive arm activities.

Symptoms:

• Pain on the outer part of the elbow
• Weakened grip strength
• Discomfort during gripping or wrist movements

Treatment:

Initial treatment may include rest, bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, and physiotherapy. For persistent cases, treatment options include shockwave therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and, in rare cases, surgery.

Why Choose Dr Seng Chusheng for Sports Injury Care?

Dr Seng Chusheng applies advanced training in sports medicine and orthopaedics with a strong focus on individualised patient care. At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, he develops treatment plans that consider each patient’s activity level, injury severity, and personal recovery goals. His expertise includes arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, and tendon repair—procedures aimed at restoring movement and function safely and effectively.

If you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or joint instability after a sports-related injury, a clinical assessment may help identify the underlying issue early. Timely evaluation and appropriate treatment can support a smoother recovery and help prevent long-term complications.