Elite level rugby union turned professional in 1995. The move to full time training has meant that the game has become more physically demanding as the players’ fitness level has improved. The changing physical demands have seen a change in the nature of injuries. Increased emphasis on fitness training and a faster match tempo has … Read more
What is Runners Knee? The iliotibial band is a fibrous band of tissue, which is partly fascia and partly tendon. It originates from the gluteal muscle, which is located in your buttocks. The ITB lies along the outside of your thigh and inserts into the lateral aspect of your knee. ITB syndrome is an overuse/ … Read more
What is Osgood Schlatters? Osgood Schlatters is a common overuse knee injury that affects the upper part of the shinbone, just below the knee. It is most common in adolescents between the ages of 9 and 14 years who are active in sports and can frustratingly cause an enforced lay-off for gifted sports people. It … Read more
What is an ACL Injury? An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a severe musculoskeletal injury. It is a relatively common knee injury amongst sports enthusiasts but can affect anybody. The anterior cruciate ligament is located deep in your knee joint and prevents the shin bone (the tibia) from slipping forward from the thigh bone … Read more
What is a Mallet Finger Injury? Mallet finger is a common finger injury in sports such as cricket, baseball, rugby and American football. Mallet finger is characterised by finger pain and a swollen finger but, most of all, by the mallet finger deformity’ at the end of the finger. Mallet finger is caused by the … Read more
Gilmore’s Groin is a fairly common injury in kicking sports such as football and rugby. This condition is named after Jerry Gilmore, the London surgeon who first recognised this syndrome in 1980. The condition is also known as a sports hernia, but Gilmore’s Groin is a more apt title because, strictly speaking, there is no … Read more
What is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction? The sacroiliac (SI) joint can be a common source of back pain. The sacroiliac joint is located at the back of the pelvis and several scenarios can produce back pain in this region of the spine, including a traumatic incident, biomechanical malalignment, hormonal changes during pregnancy, or inflammatory joint disease. … Read more
Medically reviewed by Katie Knapton, MSCP HCPC on 29th October 2021 Sciatica is actually a term that has different meanings for different people and is recognised as a general term referring to leg symptoms which could be presenting as pain or nerve sensations with or without back pain.. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower … Read more
What is a Torn Cartilage? A torn cartilage is a common knee injury in sports. The term cartilage tear is slightly misleading, since it is the meniscus within the knee that is actually damaged. There are two menisci within each knee joint that are made from tough fibrocartilage – hence the use of the term … Read more
Medically reviewed by Katie Knapton, MSCP HCPC on 29th October 2021 What is a Thigh Muscle Strain Injury? A thigh muscle strain is quite common in sports like football, where kicking is repeatedly practiced. Cycling, rowing and downhill running are some other activities where the quadriceps can become overloaded and susceptible to injury. A Thigh … Read more