A-Z of Injuries

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Ankle & Foot – Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprain is very commonly seen in physiotherapy. Typically it follows an injury when the ankle rolls inwards and the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are injured. The ligaments on the outside can be injured when the ankle rolls the other way, ie outwards. Signs and symptoms: Swelling…

Ankle & Foot – Fractured Ankle

A fractured ankle is normally due to a fall where the ankle twists under the weight of the body. An x-ray will be required to decide the extent of the damage and whether surgery or casting is required. Signs & symptoms: Ankle trauma Ankle swelling and deformity Ankle pain and…

Ankle & Foot – Metatarsal Fracture

Fracture of the metatarsal is common in sports, usually caused by direct trauma or excessive rotational forces and overuse, the most common of these being the fifth metatarsal fracture. Signs & symptoms: Severe foot pain Swollen or bruised foot Inability to walk on the foot Treatment depends on the severity…

Ankle & Foot – Plantar Fasciitis

Is a common injury that causes heel and sole of the foot pain. It is inflammation of the fibrous sheath that runs under the foot, the aim of the plantar fascia is to act as a lever to push off in toe off during walking or running. It is usually…

Ankle & Foot – Ruptured Tarso-Metatarsal Ligament

This injury can also be known as a lisfranc injury and can be difficult to diagnose. The injury is as a result of trauma to the top of the foot. Signs & symptoms: Trauma to the top of the foot Foot pain on separating the metatarsals Foot pain on walking…

Arm & Elbow – Golfers Elbow

Golfers elbow is pain located on the inside of the elbow joint. It is usually due to inflammation of the tendons at this location, from prolonged gripping activities. Signs & symptoms: Pain on gripping, turning door handles and shaking hands. Stiffness and pain on the inside of the elbow and…

Arm & Elbow – Osteoarthritis of the Elbow

Is an uncommon form of elbow pain, but is usually due to a previous trauma to the elbow, past fracture. Signs & symptoms: Often a grating noise on movement Restricted joint movement/locking Pain Physiotherapy treatments aim is to maintain forearm muscle strength to protect the joint, using exercise bands and…

Arm & Elbow – Proximal Humeral Fracture

Humeral fractures usually occur in a two distinct group, elderly women and adolescents. Once the orthopaedic consultant is satisfied that the fracture is stable, it is advisable to start a rehabilitation programme supervised by a physiotherapist. Signs & symptoms: Falls on an outstretched arm. Common in older people with osteoporosis.…

Arm & Elbow – Tennis Elbow

Lateral Epicondylitis Tennis elbow is inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It is usually associated with racquet sports hence the name, also playing musical instruments and typing. Signs & symptoms: Gradual or sudden pain and stiffness on the outside of the elbow. Forearm and finger pain…

Arthritis

This is a very commonly used term for general aches and pains, but a specific diagnosis can only be given following X rays or other imaging like MRI or CT scan or blood tests. There are many form of arthritis, osteo arthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are the most…

Back – Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory condition of the lower back usually associated with stiffness and pain coming from the lower back region and hips. It commonly arises in people under 40. It is usually diagnosed by a blood test and X Rays or MRI. The exact cause is not…

Back – Facet Syndrome

The onset of this type of back pain is usually a sudden movement which causes trauma to the joint. Commonly the pain associated with facet joint syndrome is chronic in nature due to the underlying long term changes in the joint can be associated with degenerative disc disease. Signs &…

Back – Herniated Disc

The most common area for this to occur in the spine is the lumbar or lower back region. Can be caused by repeated bending, lifting due to sports or work. The pressure causes the outer layer of the disc to weaken and allows the centre gel-like nucleus to prolapse. This…

Back – Sacro Iliac Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joint is situated at the back of the pelvis. The main causes are a biomechanical mal-alignment, a traumatic event, and hormonal changes during pregnancy or inflammatory joint disease. It can refer to the buttock or thigh but rarely goes below the level of the knee. Signs & symptoms:…

Back – Sciatica

Is a condition where pain, altered sensation and weakness can be experienced in the buttock, hamstring, calf and foot, via the sciatic nerve. The main cause is a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. Signs & symptoms: Cramping sensation in the hamstring or calf Shooting pain in the…

Back – Scolisis

Scoliosis is a curve of the spine that occurs mainly in the thoracic and lumbar region of the spine. There can be structural or postural in nature. Mild scoliosis/postural can be managed by exercises and postural and lifestyle advice. Severe scoliosis is thought to be hereditary and bony in nature…

Back – Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis means narrowing of the surround the nervous tissue in the lower back, the spinal cord and nerve roots that emerge from the spine. Because flexion gives relief from the symptoms individuals may walk with a slight stoop forward. Signs & symptoms: Low back pain Sciatica, buttock pain, leg…

Back – Spondylolysis

Spondylolysis is a stress fracture of the lower back, it is an overuse injury associated with sport. It is caused by repeated arching and twisting of the back, which puts too much stress on the pars interarticularis of the vertebrae, causing a weak spot within the bone. It is considered…

Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy is the paralysis of muscles of the face which comes on quickly. This normally improves significantly within 10 days. Signs & symptoms: It can affect the eye and mouth especially causing difficulties with closing the eye Problems with eating. Physiotherapy and acupuncture can be helpful in treating Bell’s…

Calf & Shin – Achilles Rupture

The Achilles tendon is a very strong tendon at the back of the heel. It connects the calf muscle to the heel. It’s primary purpose is to help with walking, running and general movement of the foot. Rupture of the Achilles tendon generally occurs as a sudden injury associated with…

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Head

Tension headaches: Tension headaches are one of the most common causes of headaches. The common causes are; poor posture, stress, fatigue, poor sleep, irregular diet and eyestrain. Signs & symptoms: Pain can be described as a constant pressure on both sides of the head Radiate from the back of the…

Hip & Groin – Abdominal Strain

A muscle strain of the abdominal can occur during sporting activity or when performing stomach exercises. Usually a muscle strain is a tear within the muscle caused by forcibility stretching a muscle beyond it limits. Signs & symptoms: Abdominal pain when attempting to sit up Pain when bending backwards as…

Hip & Groin – Grion Strain

A Ssrain of the adductor muscle is considered a groin strain and mainly occurs in football. This tear usually occurs when the muscle on the inside of the thigh is overstretched beyond its limits. Signs & symptoms: Pain, tightness or cramp in the inner thigh Pain when kicking a ball…

Hip & Groin – Iliopsoas Syndrome

These two hip flexor muscles the iliacus and psoas muscle are commonly affected, especially when kicking a football. Where the tendon attaches to the front of the hip joint there is a small sac of fluid (bursa), the pain can be associated with inflammation and irritation of the tendon or…

Hip & Groin – Inguinal Hernia

The inguinal hernia is a protrusion of the abdominal content through a weakness in the connective tissue of the inguinal canal in the groin. This is common in sports but especially soccer with the large twisting forces placed on the pelvis. Signs & symptoms: Abdominal or groin pain worse after…

Hip & Groin – Osteitis Pubis

Osteoitis pubis affects the area at the front of the pelvis known as the pubic symphysis. Only a limited amount of movement can occur at this joint, as it is a cartilaginous joint that has tightly bound by strong ligaments. Signs & symptoms: Pain in the front of the pelvis…

Hip & Groin – SIJ Dysfunction

Hip & Thigh – Hamstring Injuries

Usually the hamstring is stretched beyond its normal limits leading to a tear in the muscle. There are three levels a grade I,II & III. Depending on the severity of tear the time to return to sporting activity will vary. Signs & symptoms: Sudden sharp pain in the hamstring Pain…

Hip & Thigh – Hip Bursitis

The bursa is a small fluid filled sac situated at the lateral side of the hip joint which reduces friction between the tendon and the bone. This can become inflamed or irritated due to a direct blow or too much stress on the tissue. Signs & symptoms: Pain on the…

Hip & Thigh – Hip Labrum Tear

The labrum is a fibrocartilage ring located in the socket if the hip joint. Its job is to give stability to the hip joint, allow space between the femoral head and socket and as a shock absorber. It can become injured with a twisting motion when the leg is weight…

Hip & Thigh – Hip OA

This hip condition usually manifests itself in middle age, causing pain and stiffness of the hip joint. The degeneration of the joint can be due to overuse or a labrum/cartilage tear of the hip joint. The damage to the hip joint surface can be a result of sporting trauma or…

Hip & Thigh – Thigh Muscle Strain

The quadriceps muscle is located on the front of the thigh and is responsible for straightening the knee. A tear of this muscle usually occurs when kicking repeatedly or with excessive force. Signs & symptoms: Sudden sharp pain in the thigh Pain when stretching the thigh Pain when resisting straightening…

Knee – Anterior Cruciate Injuries

(ACL) The anterior cruciate lies deep in the knee joint, injury to this ligament is fairly common in sports that involve twisting and changing direction. Signs & symptoms: Knee pain Knee instability especially on turning Swelling of knee Treatment for most ACL injuries is surgical reconstruction to restore knee joint…

Knee – Anterior Knee Pain

Chondromalacia Patella Anterior knee pain usually occurs as a result of increased activity, especially running and cycling. It is commonly seen in active adolescents who are going through a growth spurt, but can affect people at any stage. Other people complain of pain in the knee with sitting for long…

Knee – Cartilage Tear

Meniscus Tears Torn meniscus is a common injury in sports, where the cartilage between the thigh and shin gets nipped or torn. It can cause knee locking or giving way and if does not recover in 6-8 weeks may require surgical intervention. Signs & symptoms: Swollen knee joint Knee joint…

Knee – Iliotibial Band Syndrome

ITB/Runners Knee Iliotibial band syndrome is a painful overuse injury to the outer part of the knee. It is common in runners and cyclist. Signs & symptoms: Knee pain located on the outer side of the knee Pain radiates up the thigh or down the outside of the shin Pain…

Knee – Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain that usually begins in middle age. It is a progressive degeneration of the joint due to overuse or a previous injury. Signs & symptoms: History of knee trauma or surgery Knee pain and swelling related to activity Knee stiffness A knee…

Knee – Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries

(LCL) The lateral collateral ligament is located on the outside of the knee attaching the femur to the fibula. The injury occurs during sporting activity where the force to the knee joint causes over stretch of the lateral structures of the knee. Signs & symptoms: A history of trauma or…

Knee – Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries

(MCL) Is the ligament situated on the inside of the knee joint, linking the thigh bone to the shin bone. The injury usually occurs with twisting or turning and direct impact during sporting activities. Signs & symptoms: A history of trauma or twisting Knee pain and swelling on inside of…

Knee – Osgood Schlatters

Osgood schlatters is a common overuse injury to the knee in adolescents between 9-14 years, especially those who have recently experienced a ‘growth spurt’. It is more common in males than females. It is a form of traction apophysitis that occurs on the shin bone. Signs & symptoms: Knee pain…

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Lymphoedema

A transport disorder of the lymphatic system: Lymphoedema (swelling) occurs when lymph flow is impaired. Either damage, obstruction or absence of vessels can lead to dysfunction of the lymphatic system. This can result in the accumulation and stagnation of lymph in the tissues. Most often limbs are affected, but lymph…

Neck

Slipped disc: A disc prolapse in the neck is a common cause of neck pain. Signs & symptoms: Severe neck pain, with Associated shoulder and arm pain. Weakness or loss of sensation in the arms or hands. The common causes of neck pain are prolonged computer work, over-head activities and…

Nerve Compression

There are three types of nerves in the body: Autonomic nerves control the involuntary actions of the body, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. Motor nerves, passes information from your brain and spinal cord to the muscles, which control your movements and actions. Sensory Nerves relay the…

Nerve Pain

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a systematic bone disease characterised by low bone mass, compromised bone strength and increased susceptibility to fractures, particularly around the wrist, hip and spine. Exercise can help to increase bone density in children especially pre-puberty/puberty, when bones are growing. Exercise during and after the menopause can improve muscle…

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Shoulder – Dislocated Shoulder

A shoulder dislocation is an injury where the head of the humerus (arm bone) pops out of its socket, this injury occurs most commonly in contact sports like Gaelic football and rugby. Signs and symptoms: Severe shoulder pain The shoulder is obviously out of place. Holding the arm protectively against…

Shoulder – Fracture Collar Bone/Clavicle

This break can occur by falling onto an outstretched arm or landing on the shoulder. The treatment of this injury is dependent on the degree of displacement of the fracture. If the two ends of the bone are in good alignment then conservative management of rest in a sling may…

Shoulder – Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive Capsulitis Frozen shoulder is a common cause of shoulder pain in people between 40-60 years of age, with women being affected more than men. Common signs and symptoms: Shoulder pain comes on slowly and leads to a gradual loss in shoulder movement, called the freezing phase. The frozen phase…

Shoulder – Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff muscles and tendons main function is to hold the shoulder joint in place. The main ways to injury these tendons are through trauma or repetitive strain injuries. Injury to the rotator cuff will usually begin as inflammation; if the cause is not identified and addressed it can…

Shoulder – Shoulder Bursitis/Impingement

This can occur due to the subacromial bursa being squashed or impinged between the rotator cuff muscles and the bone, usually during repeated overhead movement. Signs & Symptoms: Pain or catching sensation on raising the arm up Limited shoulder movements Pain on touching or lying on the shoulder Physiotherapy aims…

Shoulder – Shoulder Separation

AC Joint Sprains The acromioclavicular joint is where the collar bone attaches to the edge of the shoulder (acromion). The causes of this joint separation is either a fall onto an out stretched hand or direct contact to the tip of the shoulder. It happens frequently in rugby and falls…

Thumb & Hand – Bennett’s Fracture of the Thumb

Bennett's fracture is a fracture and dislocation of the base of the thumb, common in boxers, rugby players and goal keepers. Signs & symptoms: Severe pain around the base of the thumb Rapid swelling of the thumb and wrist Instability of the thumb joint Due to possible long term functional…

Thumb & Hand – Broken Wrist

Scaphoid, Radius, Ulna or Capitate Fracture A broken wrist can be a fracture of the radius, ulna, scaphoid or capitate bones. The usually mechanism of injury is a fall on an outstretched hand; if severe pain and swelling are evident an X-ray would be required to confirm or rule out…

Thumb & Hand – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a gap in the wrist bones where the muscle, blood vessels and nerve pass into the hand from the forearm. Compression and swelling of this area can cause altered sensation in the hand. Studies have shown that positions of extension such as typing at a keyboard…

Thumb & Hand – Osteoarthritis of the Wrist

OA of the wrist normally occurs following a previous trauma. It can be very debilitating and painful when trying to do normal everyday movements. Signs & symptoms: Wrist pain Wrist stiffness Loss of range of motion Pain on turning a door handle Pain on removing lids of jar Pain with…

Thumb & Hand – Sprained Thumb

Skier’s Thumb A sprained thumb is damage caused to the ulnar collateral ligament at the base of the thumb, often caused by ski poles during a fall. It can also happen during any other sports if there is sufficient force applied to the thumb away from the hand. Signs &…

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Vertigo

(BPPV) Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. The symptoms can vary from Mild to intense dizziness. The vertigo is worst when moving the head is certain positions, lying down, turning or sitting up in bed Imbalance when walking, standing or bending. A simple physiotherapy…

Whiplash (WAD)

Whiplash associated disorder (WAD): Whiplash is a common cause of neck pain. Most often it is due to a car accident but occasionally it can be due to a sports injury. Whiplash is the term used to describe the hyperflexion and hyperextension injury to the neck. This pain and stiffness…

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