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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 3, 2018 5:35 PM IST
Batting, bowling and fielding all can make a cricketer prone to injuries. © Shutterstock
Cricket is a sport enjoyed by players of all levels of ability. It is a sport in which players engage in a wide range of diverse activities namely batting, bowling, fielding (catching and throwing) and wicket keeping. In cricket, the majority of injuries are of a noncontact nature. In the present day, this sport is played in test cricket, one-day and 20-20 formats. Whilst the nature of injuries varies in different formats, in general, injuries in cricket can be acute and chronic. Here Dr Shreyash Gajjar, Sports orthopedic Surgeon, Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai list some of the injuries:
Acute injuries
Shoulder: Fielding (throwing), bowling, batting can result in overuse shoulder injuries i.e. rotator cuff tendonitis or tear, biceps tendonitis or tear. Treatment depends on the specific condition; however, in the early stages, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy may suffice. Arthroscopic Surgery may be indicated in advanced stages.
Hand: Most hand injuries are sustained while trying to catch the ball, which often strikes the end of the finger causing injury to the ligament or bone (fracture). Simple injuries recover with finger taping, splintage for a certain period but complex injuries may require surgery.
Side strains: Commonly seen in bowlers is an injury to the lateral trunk muscles. Treatment involves modifying bowling technique, taping and a rehabilitation program aimed at pain relief, and recovery of mobility and strength.
Contusions: These injuries are caused by a direct impact to the muscle most likely from being struck by a ball. Swelling or bruising is common. Treatment involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy.
Hamstring strains: Fast bowling involves many sudden, explosive movements and rapid changes of direction; these can result in hamstring strains. Physiotherapy involves gradual stretching exercises, strength training. Rarely surgery may be required to repair the torn muscle. The most common sequel to hamstring injury is recurrence of the same injury. If the player resumes the sport before healing is complete, a re-tear may occur.
Knee: Cartilage (meniscus), ligament (ACL) tears occurs more often in bowlers and is caused by twisting or turning, often on a fixed foot, such as when a shoe stud catches in the turf or when sliding or landing awkwardly. The injury can either be a strain, or in extreme cases, a tear. The first line of treatment includes rest, ice and elevation followed by physiotherapy, which should include stretching and strengthening exercises. Arthroscopic Surgery is indicated for extreme cases.
Ankle: Sprains occur whilst sprinting, jumping. Treatment involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy and surgery in extreme cases with recurrent ankle laxity.
Chronic injuries
Elbow: Improper batting and bowling techniques as well as inappropriate equipment, such as bats that are too heavy, put unnecessary strain on the elbow, causing tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis. This injury is managed using tennis elbow brace, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Back: Fast bowlers have a high incidence of serious lumbar spine injuries i.e. spondylolysis, stress fracture. Hereditary factors, incorrect bowling technique, poor preparation and overuse (repetitive stress) all play a part. Complete rest from the sport. Physiotherapy i.e. strengthening, core exercises along with subtle modifications in the bowling action may help to reduce the stresses on the vertebrae.
Foot and Ankle: Impingement, bone spurs are overuse injuries is seen in bowlers from stresses resulting from repeated foot positions. Management techniques include strengthening to allow controlled landing of the foot and assessing the bowling biomechanics to prevent poor landing mechanics. Surgery may be required to reduce impingement on tissue by bone or to release a restricted tendon.
Stress fractures: Shin, foot fractures occur especially in bowlers. Treatment includes rest, calcium supplements and appropriate plaster immobilization.
