Most common rugby injuries – how are they treated and what is the athlete’s prognosis

Rugby is a fantastic sport. It provides an intensive workout, helps you become more confident and self-disciplined and makes it easier for you to follow instructions. It also allows you to learn how to work within a team, all while increasing your speed, cardiovascular fitness and both upper and lower body strength. Played both competitively and recreationally, rugby has established a reputation for itself as one of the most popular sports out there, with many people tuning it to watch matches on TV, as well as signing up for classes that can teach them to play as well. 

However, one of the other aspects of rugby is that it is a heavily physical sport. This means that players have a high chance of colliding with one another and suffering injury-resulting impacts. And while rules and regulations have been adopted that have reduced the incidence of injury, there is still much to be done to help minimise the risk brought to the players while keeping the essence of the sport alive. 

Here are some of the most common injuries associated with the sport, their treatment courses and the expectations an athlete can have in the aftermath of being injured, depending on the extent of the damage they sustained.

Concussions 

The injury perhaps most widely associated with rugby is the concussion. Concussions are traumatic head and brain injuries that present with headaches, balance problems, blurry vision, heightened sensitivity to lights and noises, as well as a generalised feeling of brain fog and confusion. For the most part, head injuries resolve on their own without lasting damage. However, following the physician’s guidelines in the aftermath of becoming wounded is essential to assure optimal recovery. 

You should avoid any form of intensive physical activity after suffering from a concussion. You must refrain from returning to the paddock if you still exhibit signs and symptoms. Not only will placing strain on your body delay your healing, but the poor coordination typically associated with concussions can also cause you to develop further injuries. While the symptoms usually go away in a few days, a small proportion of concussions present with signs for many weeks after the initial injury. This manifestation is known as the post-concussive syndrome, and a physician should closely monitor it. 

A lesser-known but very serious condition is CTE, a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head injuries. The symptoms associated with the condition are the same as in other progressive disorders, including memory loss, mood swings and increased disorientation. There is no cure for the illness, and treatment is mainly supportive in nature. However, preventing it is key. Wearing the recommended protective equipment, correctly managing post-concussion treatment and getting the appropriate medical advice if any type of injury is particularly worrisome to you are some steps you could take to stay safe. 

Dislocated shoulders

Because there’s a good deal of tackling and falling involved in playing rugby, dislocated joints are a common complaint. The warning signs of an injured shoulder include restricted or complete inability to move the joint, severe pain, swelling or bruising of the affected area, shoulder spasms and numbness. Dislocations are typically resolved quickly, with physicians just “popping” the joint back in place. However, you’ll need to follow the doctor’s advice to recover completely. After your shoulder is back in its correct position, you may still experience soreness and aching. Your physician will likely prescribe a course of pain killers, and you’ll be instructed to keep your arm in a sling for a few days. You might also have to undergo a few hours of physiotherapy to rehabilitate your shoulder and regain your full strength completely. 

Ideally, you should refrain from returning to rugby or performing any other kind of strenuous activity until your doctor gives you the green light. Still, if that is not feasible, you should aim to return to the pitch only when the symptoms have diminished considerably. You should also receive a check-up to rule out any bone fractures or ruptured ligaments. 

Strains and sprains 

Used most of the time interchangeably, the two are different injuries. Sprains are stretches or tears in the ligaments, while strains are the same wounds, only happening in muscles or tendons. Both are serious injuries that can cause significant pain and can even lead to irreversible damage if left untreated. The most important steps to follow afterwards include:

• Resting the affected area.
• Applying ice.
• Using compression materials on the strain to manage swelling.
• Keeping the area elevated. 

You may be eligible for compensation if you’ve encountered your injury due to the negligence of a suitably qualified person who neglected their duties to you. Hire an injury claims lawyer to receive the maximum payout you deserve. You’ll be owed different sums depending on the extent of your injuries. If your wounds are solved rather quickly, with minimal treatment and have left behind no lasting damage, you’ll be eligible for less compared to sustaining an injury which necessitated surgery to be solved and left you unable to play anymore. 

Overuse injuries

These types of wounds come with repetitive use of the same joints and muscles you use when playing. The legs are most commonly affected, given that rugby involves much running. Tendinitis in both the knee and the ankle is a common complaint, as is tibial stress and bursitis, the inflammation of the bursae, a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones and prevents them from rubbing on muscles, tendons or skin. In rugby, bursitis commonly occurs in the shoulder area. The typical symptoms include stiffness, swelling and redness, fever, and sharp, shooting pains. Sprains are usually nothing serious and heal on their own with adequate bed rest and anti-inflammatory medication, but in some instances, the symptoms may persist, which is why it’s important to see your doctor if you believe your condition is not improving, or your state worsens. 

Rugby is a full-contact sport, meaning injuries can be quite common. It’s essential to take the necessary precautions to avoid sustaining damage and, if you become injured, talk to the professionals that’ll help you get back on the paddock in no time.