Multi-Disciplinary Management of Stress Fractures - Role of the Sports Physician

Description

In this engaging presentation, Jonathan Korgaonkar, a sports physician in elite sports, discusses the significant challenges of managing stress fractures and sports injuries. He highlights the prevalence of these injuries, noting that they account for about 10% of all sports injuries, particularly affecting runners and footballers. With UEFA studies indicating high rates of stress fractures, particularly in the fifth metatarsal area, Korgaonkar emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and prevention strategies.



He underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving not only sports physicians but also physiotherapists, sports scientists, and nutritionists to address various aspects of athlete health. Korgaonkar discusses risk factors like biomechanics, strength, flexibility, and nutrition, including issues of relative energy deficiency, particularly in young athletes transitioning to higher competition levels.



The presentation illustrates the structured monitoring of training loads to prevent injuries, stressing the balance between adequately training athletes while reducing injury risks linked to overtraining. Korgaonkar also touches on the cooperative effort required within elite sports teams, including the involvement of radiologists and orthopedic specialists for injury management.



With a focus on rehabilitation, he shares insights into returning athletes to peak performance post-injury, highlighting innovative methods such as hydrotherapy and advanced training technologies. Ultimately, Korgaonkar's expertise sheds light on the complexities of athlete care, aiming to ensure that they can perform at the highest levels while minimizing injury risks.

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