Sports injuries are extremely common, whether you are an enthusiast or a professional. They may not be life-threatening and have high chances of recovery, but they certainly can cause many problems later for the patient. Sports injuries may take months to heal as well as a great deal of time, effort and money. This can be frustrating for athletes who want to get back to the game quickly or have a season coming up.

Increasingly, stem cells treatment is becoming an alternative treatment to common sports injuries. Read on to understand the benefits of using stem cells, especially in treating common sports injuries.

Common Sports Injuries

Some of the most common sports injuries include –

• Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprain are caused due to overstretching and tearing of the ankle ligaments in the event of ankle twisting or falling onto the foot. Ankle sprains may lead to problems such as chronic ankle pain, arthritis, and ongoing instability, if left untreated.

• Groin Pull
A groin pull is caused when the muscles are overstretched, or pulled too forcefully or suddenly. This can result in tenderness and bruising in the groin and inner thigh.

• Hamstring Strain
When the three muscles in the back of the thigh are overstretched while hurdling and kicking the leg out, a hamstring strain occurs. It can take from 6-12 months to heal and makes the muscles vulnerable to recurring injuries.

• Shin Splints
Shin Splints refers to inflammation in the lower leg muscles when they are overworked and stressed. Shin splints affect athletes whose sports require a lot of running, or quick stops and starts.

• ACL tear
An ACL knee injury is a ligament tear or sprain in the ACL in the knee. Sudden stops or direction changes can tear the ACL. There is a telltale “pop” sound at the time of injury along with swelling, instability and pain on weight bearing.

• Patellofemoral Syndrome
Patellofemoral Syndrome is the result of repetitive movements of the kneecap (patella) against the thigh bone.

• Tennis Elbow (epicondylitis)
Tennis Elbow is common among athletes who play tennis or golf. It strains and inflames the ligaments of the forearm, making wrist or hand motions painful.

Traditional Treatment Options

Traditional treatment options for mild sports injuries, such as sprains and strains include rest, applying ice, compression bandages and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Moderately severe injuries may be traditionally with immobilization for the first few weeks, followed with rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles and prevent future problems.

Severe sports injuries, such as knee injuries, are traditionally treated with surgery, followed by rehabilitation programs to replace or restore the torn ligaments or muscles.

Regardless of the severity of the sports injury, healing can take up to several months. These injuries can also permanently weaken muscles and ligaments and leave them susceptible to further injury.

Stem Cell Therapy for treating sports injuries

The use of stem cells to treat sports injuries is becoming increasingly popular due to the stem cells’ ability to –
• repair and regenerate tissues
• decrease or prevent inflammation
• release proteins, known as cytokines, that slow down degeneration
• reduce pain

Sports injuries that involve damage to tendons, ligaments, muscles, and cartilage are reported to show the most effective results from stem cell therapy.

Patients, who undergo stem cell therapy for a sports injury, often report –
• reduction in painful symptoms
• increase range of motion
• increased mobility

If you are looking for stem cell therapy in Islamabad or Lahore, Pakistan, check out one of the best stem cell clinics, R3 Stem Cell International or call 888-988-0515.