Athletic injuries

Abstract

Track and field sports involve mainly running, throwing and jumping activities. Injuries willoccur mainly due to traumatic or overuse cause. The greater proportion of injuries occursduring training (more than 60 %), 20 % occur during competition. Inadequate remodellingof bone structures and a failed healing response in tendons after repetitive load, may lead toinjury. The ankle region is most frequently injured in jumps. The foot is damaged mostfrequently in sprints. Achilles tendon ruptures, Achilles tendinopathy and navicular stressfracture are discussed in detail, relative to their diagnosis and treatment. Briefly stated,Achilles tendinopathy should be first treated conservatively, as initial navicular stress fractures.Our treatment recommendation for achilles rupture is surgical using a minimallyinvasive approach. In order to obtain a safe return to sports, different tests have to be performedincluding range of motion test, balance and propioception tests such as the starexcursion balance test, agility tests and strength tests such as the vertical jump test. In generalsince track and field does not include contact a more predictable return to sports isgenerally expected.