Ms. Nguyen Thi Trang (32 years old, Ho Chi Minh City), who used to work in an office and was not very active. After seeing a friend's positive change thanks to jogging, she started exercising with the desire to improve her health and figure.
Due to lack of experience and fitness, in one morning jogging session, Ms. Trang fell. After that, her right knee often hurts when walking or exercising vigorously. Thinking the injury was not serious, she stopped jogging and limited movement.
However, after about 2 months, the pain and discomfort in her knee did not improve. She went to the hospital for examination but the X-ray results did not detect any abnormalities. Later, when performing MRI, she was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn sternum cartilage.
Ms. Trang then underwent endoscopic surgery to reconstruct her anterior cruciate ligament. After more than a year of persistent physical therapy, her leg function gradually stabilized.
In recent years, the amateur sports movement has become increasingly popular. Besides health benefits, practitioners also face the risk of injury if they exercise incorrectly.
At the "Application of endoscopic techniques to treat ankle diseases" session on September 12 at Military Hospital 175, BS.CKII Do Huu Luong, Head of Sports Medicine Department - Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Military Hospital 175, said that ankle injuries are common in young people who play sports. Among them, the external ligament system of the ankle is the most vulnerable position.
Sports such as football, volleyball, badminton, tennis, jogging... all have the risk of causing ankle injuries, especially when players land in a position where their feet are bent and slanted inwards, easily leading to sprains.
According to doctors, not warming up thoroughly, increasing the intensity of exercise too quickly or trying to perform movements beyond their ability are common mistakes in non-professional players, increasing the risk of injury.
Tendon sprains are one of the most common ankle injuries. Most cases can be treated conservatively if treated properly. Patients need to rest, apply cold compresses, bandage and fix the ankle according to instructions. Many cases can recover after 6-8 weeks. However, if treatment is not appropriate, the sprain can recur, causing ankle instability and affecting mobility.
Colonel, Dr. Phan Dinh Mung, Deputy Director of Military Hospital 175, Director of the Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, said that the ankle joint has a complex structure, bears heavy loads and plays an important role in movement. With the development of laparoscopic surgery, many lesions can be treated with less invasive techniques in appropriate cases, helping to limit soft tissue damage.
Dr. Luong recommends that athletes, especially non-professionals, need to warm up carefully, choose the appropriate intensity and gradually increase the level of exercise. Do not be subjective when injured even though you can still walk. Prolonged or recurrent pain needs to be examined to assess and treat correctly, avoiding the risk of prolonged damage or becoming chronic.
