Bone & Orthopaedic Health, Malaysia - Learn About Sports Injuries, Joint Pain, And More.

What are common sports injuries treated by orthopaedic specialists in Malaysia?

Orthopaedic specialists may assess a variety of sports-related injuries, including:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries: Damage to a ligament that helps stabilise the knee, sometimes occurring during sudden stops, changes of direction or landing.
• Meniscal tears: Injuries to the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, which may occur during twisting movements or other trauma.
• Ankle sprains: Stretching or tearing of the ligaments supporting the ankle.
• Rotator cuff injuries: Damage to the tendons or muscles that help stabilise and move the shoulder.
• Tendon injuries: Conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy, which can develop following repetitive loading or changes in training intensity.

These injuries can occur during activities such as badminton, football, running, court sports and other forms of exercise. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury, the individual’s activity level and their recovery goals. Some injuries can be managed with rehabilitation, while others may require further investigations or surgery.

What sports injuries can occur during pickleball?

Pickleball involves short bursts of movement, changes of direction and repetitive use of the arm. As with other court sports, players may experience ankle sprains, calf strains, muscle strains or tendon-related pain.

Repetitive gripping and wrist movements may also contribute to elbow pain, including lateral epicondylalgia, commonly known as tennis elbow. However, these conditions are not unique to pickleball, and not every episode of elbow pain is caused by the sport.

The risk of injury may be influenced by physical conditioning, playing technique, previous injuries, footwear and training intensity. Players can help reduce their risk by warming up, building activity levels gradually, strengthening supporting muscles and allowing adequate recovery between sessions.

How can I reduce my risk of sports-related bone and joint injuries?

The following measures may help reduce the risk of some sports injuries:

• Warm up before exercise: Begin with light aerobic activity and movements appropriate to the sport.
• Build strength and conditioning: Exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the knees, hips, ankles and shoulders may improve physical capacity.
• Progress gradually: Avoid sudden increases in training frequency, duration or intensity.
• Use suitable equipment: Choose footwear appropriate for the activity and playing surface, and ensure sports equipment fits comfortably.
• Learn appropriate techniques: Good movement patterns may help reduce unnecessary strain on joints and soft tissues.
• Allow recovery: Rest and adjust activity when experiencing persistent pain or unusual fatigue.

These measures cannot prevent every injury. Seek assessment if pain persists, worsens or interferes with normal activity.

What diagnostic tests may be used for bone, joint and soft-tissue conditions?

An orthopaedic specialist selects investigations based on the symptoms, physical examination and suspected condition. Common tests include:

• X-rays: Often used to assess fractures, bone alignment, joint changes and some signs of osteoarthritis.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, cartilage and menisci. It may be recommended when the findings could affect diagnosis or treatment.
• Computed tomography (CT): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of bones and can help assess complex fractures.
• Ultrasound: May be used to assess certain tendons, muscles, superficial soft-tissue abnormalities and joint fluid.
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA): Measures bone mineral density and may be recommended to assess osteoporosis risk.

Not everyone needs all these tests. For example, a straightforward ankle sprain may be assessed clinically, with an X-ray considered when a fracture is suspected. The choice of investigation depends on the individual clinical circumstances.

Is knee clicking or popping during exercise normal?

Painless knee clicking or popping is common and does not necessarily indicate damage. It may arise from movement of tendons or other tissues, or from changes in pressure within the joint.

However, clicking accompanied by pain, swelling, locking, instability or difficulty bearing weight should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

These symptoms may indicate an underlying joint or soft-tissue problem.
A sudden injury followed by substantial swelling, an inability to straighten the knee or difficulty walking warrants prompt medical assessment.

How does orthopaedic treatment differ for children and adults?

Children’s bones are still developing, and the growth plates near the ends of certain bones require particular consideration when assessing injuries. Some fractures involving these areas need timely specialist assessment because damage can affect subsequent bone growth.

Treatment depends on the child’s age, the type and location of the injury, its severity and the amount of growth remaining. Depending on the circumstances, management may include observation, casting, bracing or surgery.

Children’s healing and rehabilitation needs differ from those of adults, but it is not accurate to assume that every childhood injury heals faster or requires less treatment. Suspected fractures, persistent pain, deformity or difficulty using a limb should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.