Rapid advancement in sports injury treatments

Injuries are a common part of an athlete’s journey, but at times, they become so severe that they significantly impact or even end a sporting career.

Several top players have experienced limitations or complete exits from their respective sports due to injury. International hockey player Jugraj Singh, for instance, met with a serious accident in Jalandhar in 2003 and underwent multiple surgeries. Harrdy Sandhu, a promising fast bowler who had represented India in the U-19 World Cup, suffered a severe elbow injury in 2007. Unable to continue in cricket, he transitioned into a highly successful career in music.

However, not all stories end in retirement. Some athletes fight their way back. Hockey player Sukhjeet Singh of Jalandhar suffered a serious back injury in 2018, resulting in temporary paralysis of his right leg. Through determination and a rigorous recovery process, he made a remarkable comeback and won a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Injuries like patellar instability and cartilage defects are common among footballers, runners and basketball players. Swimmers and cricketers often face issues such as recurrent dislocations, rotator cuff tears, SLAP (superior labrum anterior and posterior) lesions and impingement syndromes. Dancers and sprinters frequently deal with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears and early cartilage damage. Sports that involve repetitive loading—such as tennis, gymnastics and martial arts—often lead to synovitis, impingement and cartilage injuries.

Experts emphasise that arthroscopy has become a safe and effective treatment method, providing pain relief and improved mobility without large incisions or prolonged recovery periods. Dr Nitish Kapil, an Orthopaedic Sports Surgeon and Arthroscopy Specialist at Shrimann Superspeciality Hospital, Jalandhar, explains, “The knee and shoulder are the most frequently treated joints in sports medicine, but arthroscopy is also effectively used for the hip, elbow, wrist and ankle. It helps treat meniscus tears, ligament injuries, cartilage defects and patellar instability.”

Dr Kapil adds, “With technological advancements, including high-definition arthroscopic cameras, biologic therapies like stem cells and precision rehabilitation protocols, the future of sports medicine is more promising than ever. The focus is on patient-centred care—treating not just the injury, but the athlete as a whole. Our goal is simple: to restore function, alleviate pain and help every individual—professional or amateur—return to what they love doing.”

According to Dr Navjot Dahiya, orthopaedician and former National Vice-President of IMA, arthroscopy is just one aspect of holistic sports care. “Healing from a sports injury requires a comprehensive strategy, including preventive measures, a well-structured rehabilitation plan, proper diet, physiotherapy and psychological support. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for faster and complete healing.”

Jalandhar