Condition
Sports injuries
Sports injuries range from a simple sprain that needs a week of rest to a torn ligament that needs reconstruction. Getting the diagnosis right early matters, because treating a ligament tear as a sprain can leave a joint unstable. The centre offers assessment, keyhole surgery and physiotherapy-led rehabilitation with a planned return to activity.
What it feels like
- A pop or snap felt at the moment of injury
- Swelling within a few hours of the injury
- The joint giving way, or feeling unstable
- Locking or catching of the knee
- Pain with a particular movement, such as throwing or pushing off
- Tendon pain that builds with training, such as at the heel, kneecap or elbow
Common causes
Ligament injuries
Including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears of the knee and ankle ligament sprains, from twisting, pivoting or landing awkwardly.
Meniscus tears
Tears of the cartilage pad in the knee, causing pain on the joint line, catching and sometimes locking.
Shoulder injuries
Dislocations and rotator cuff tears from falls, contact or overhead sports.
Tendon overuse
Tennis elbow, jumper’s knee and Achilles problems from repetitive load without enough recovery.
Muscle strains and stress fractures
Hamstring and calf tears from sprinting, and stress fractures from a sudden rise in training volume.
When to seek care straight away
Be seen the same day, or call the emergency line, if:
- You cannot bear weight on the leg
- The joint is deformed or dislocated
- The knee is locked and will not straighten
- Numbness or coldness below the injury
How it is assessed at the centre
- 01A consultation and examination of the injured joint, including specific tests for each ligament.
- 02Digital X-ray on site to rule out a fracture.
- 03An MRI scan, arranged when a ligament, meniscus or tendon tear needs to be confirmed before planning treatment.
Treatment options
First aid and bracing
Rest, ice, compression and elevation in the first days, with a brace or support where the joint needs protecting.
Physiotherapy-led rehabilitation
A progressive programme at the on-site physiotherapy department to restore strength, balance and confidence before returning to sport.
Arthroscopic surgery
ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, rotator cuff repair and shoulder stabilisation through small incisions.
Fracture care
Sporting fractures are treated by the trauma team, with fixation where the bone is displaced.
Questions patients ask
- Does an ACL tear always need surgery?
- Not always. People who do not play pivoting sports can often manage with rehabilitation. Reconstruction is usually recommended for those who want to return to sports that involve cutting and twisting, or whose knee keeps giving way.
- How soon after an injury should I be seen?
- If you cannot bear weight, the joint is deformed, or swelling appears within hours, be seen the same day. Milder injuries that are not improving after a few days of rest should also be assessed.
- How do I book a consultation?
- Call 080 2664 3970 or 96201 51588 during consultation hours, Monday to Saturday, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
- What if it happens at night or on a Sunday?
- Accident and trauma care is available at any hour. Call the emergency line, 98450 75749.
This page is general information about sports injuries and does not replace a consultation. Last updated 14 October 2026.
Related conditions
- Knee painThe knee carries the body’s weight through every step, so it is one of the most common reasons people see an orthopaedic surgeon.
- Shoulder painThe shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, held together largely by muscles and tendons rather than bone.
- Fractures and injuriesA fracture is a broken bone.
- All conditions
Appointments
Talk to a consultant about it.
Consultations run in two sessions each day, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm. For emergencies, the 98450 75749 line is answered at any hour.
Find us
#146, "Nikitha", East End ‘C’ Main9th Block, Jayanagar (behind Jayadeva Hospital)Bengaluru 560069Directions in Google Maps