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Cricket may not look as “high contact” as football, but it’s one of the most injury-prone sports especially for players who train regularly, play long matches, or return to the game after a break. Fast bowling, sudden sprints, diving on the field, repeated throwing, and long hours of practice place continuous stress on the body. Over time, small strains can turn into bigger injuries if ignored. The good news? Most cricket injuries are treatable, and many are preventable, when you catch them early and follow the right rehab plan. This blog covers the most common sports injuries in cricket, why they happen, and when to seek help. Why cricket injuries are so common Cricket injuries usually fall into two groups: Acute injuries – happen suddenly (a fall, twist, impact, awkward landing) Overuse injuries – develop slowly due to repeated stress (bowling workload, throwing, long sessions) Common reasons injuries occur include: Poor warm-up or skipping mobility work Weak core/hip/shoulder strength Sudden increase in training load Incorrect bowling or throwing mechanics Tight hamstrings, calves, or hip flexors Playing through pain and “adjusting” movement patterns 1) Shoulder injuries (especially in throwers and fast bowlers) What it feels like: pain while throwing, weakness, clicking, or reduced range of motion. Why it happens: repeated overhead throwing stresses the rotator cuff, labrum, and shoulder joint. Common shoulder conditions in cricket: Rotator cuff strain/tendinitis Shoulder impingement Labral injury (SLAP tear) AC joint irritation Don’t ignore if: pain is persistent, you’ve lost throwing speed/accuracy, or pain wakes you up at night. 2) Back injuries (fast bowlers’ biggest risk) Fast bowling generates high force through the lower back especially during delivery stride and follow-through. Young fast bowlers are especially vulnerable. What it feels like: lower back pain during bowling, stiffness after practice, pain on bending backward. Common causes: Muscle strain Stress reaction or stress fracture (pars defect / spondylolysis) Disc-related pain (less common but possible) Don’t ignore if: pain increases with bowling, lasts more than 1–2 weeks, or radiates to the leg. 3) Knee injuries (from sprinting, twisting, sudden stops, or diving) Cricket involves quick changes of direction and uneven load on the knees. What it feels like: swelling, locking, giving way, pain on stairs, pain after a match. Common knee injuries: Meniscus tear ACL/MCL sprain Patellar tendinitis (“jumper’s knee”) Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain) Don’t ignore if: swelling appears quickly, the knee feels unstable, or you can’t fully bend/straighten. 4) Ankle sprains and foot injuries (fielding + sudden direction changes) Ankle sprains are extremely common during fielding, awkward landings, or on uneven grounds. What it feels like: swelling, pain on the outside of the ankle, difficulty bearing weight. Common conditions: Lateral ankle sprain High ankle sprain (more severe) Plantar fascia strain Stress fractures (especially with heavy training) Don’t ignore if: you still limp after 3–5 days, swelling is severe, or pain is sharp in one spot. 5) Hamstring strains (sprinting injury #1) Hamstrings are heavily loaded during sprint starts, quick runs between wickets, and sudden acceleration. What it feels like: sudden pulling sensation, tightness, pain while running, bruising in some cases. Don’t ignore it: pain is sudden and sharp, or you feel a “pop.” Early rehab matters—returning too soon leads to repeat injuries. 6) Groin and hip injuries (common in batsmen and fielders) Groin strains happen during quick pivots, lunges, or sudden sideways movement. What it feels like: pain in the inner thigh/groin, pain during side steps, discomfort while running. Common causes: Adductor strain Hip flexor strain Core weakness leading to overload Don’t ignore if: pain persists beyond a week or returns every time you play. First-aid basics: what to do immediately after an injury Rest the area Ice for pain/swelling (short sessions) Compression if swelling is present Elevation when possible Avoid aggressive stretching in the first 24–48 hours after a strain If there is severe swelling, deformity, inability to bear weight, or instability, get evaluated quickly. When should you see an orthopaedic specialist? Seek medical evaluation if you have: Pain lasting more than 7–10 days Recurrent pain every time you train or play Swelling, locking, or instability in the knee/ankle/shoulder Reduced performance due to pain (throwing speed, bowling pace, sprinting) Numbness, tingling, or pain radiating down the arm/leg A suspected fracture or severe sprain Early assessment often prevents a small issue from becoming a long break from the sport. Preventing cricket injuries: simple habits that work Injury prevention doesn’t need fancy equipment. Consistency is key: Warm-up properly (mobility + activation + gradual intensity) Strengthen the core, glutes, hamstrings, and shoulder stabilisers Manage bowling workload and avoid sudden spikes Work on technique (bowling action/throwing mechanics) Recover well: sleep, hydration, and rest days Don’t play through sharp pain—get it checked Cricket injury treatment in Koramangala At OrthoSport Clinic, Koramangala, Dr. Belliappa (Orthopaedic Consultant) evaluates sports injuries with a focus on accurate diagnosis and safe return to sport. Whether you’re a school-level cricketer, a weekend player, or training competitively, the aim is always the same: reduce pain, restore strength, and prevent recurrence. If you’re dealing with repeated pain while playing cricket, don’t wait until it becomes a major injury. Book a consultation to understand what’s causing it and how to fix it properly. Disclaimer: This blog is for general awareness and does not replace a personal medical consultation.

  Knee pain has a way of shrinking life. What starts as “just a little discomfort” while climbing stairs can slowly become pain during short walks, stiffness after sitting, and sleepless nights because you can’t find a comfortable position. For many people, the root cause is knee arthritis, the gradual wearing out of cartilage that normally allows smooth, pain-free movement. When treatments like physiotherapy, medication, injections, and lifestyle changes no longer provide meaningful relief, Total Knee Replacement (TKR) may be recommended. The goal of surgery isn’t to make you an athlete overnight, it’s to help you return to daily life with less pain, better mobility, and improved confidence. What is Total Knee Replacement (TKR)? Total Knee Replacement is a surgery in which the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are carefully removed and replaced with durable, medical-grade implants. These implants are designed to mimic the natural shape and motion of the knee and reduce the “bone-on-bone” friction that causes pain in advanced arthritis. In simple terms: We replace the worn-out parts of the knee so you can move more comfortably again. Who might need a knee replacement? You may be a candidate for Total Knee Replacement if you have: Persistent knee pain that affects daily activities (walking, stairs, standing, chores) Stiffness that doesn’t improve even after movement or physiotherapy Swelling and recurring inflammation Knee deformity (bow legs/knock knees) that’s worsening over time Difficulty sleeping due to pain Limited benefit from non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medicines, braces, or injections A key point: Not everyone with knee pain needs surgery. A proper clinical evaluation and imaging help decide the right next step. Most knee replacements are done because of: Osteoarthritis (age-related wear and tear) Rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory arthritis Post-traumatic arthritis (after an old injury or fracture) Degeneration after long-standing ligament or meniscus problems Before surgery: evaluation and planning At OrthoSport Clinic, the approach is to first understand your knee pain thoroughly and confirm whether surgery is truly the best option. Your consultation typically includes: A detailed history of symptoms and limitations Physical examination (alignment, movement, stability, tenderness) X-rays and, if needed, additional imaging Discussion of non-surgical options (if they’re still likely to help) What happens during Total Knee Replacement? While the exact steps can vary, the overall idea remains consistent: Damaged cartilage and worn joint surfaces are removed The bone surfaces are shaped precisely The knee is fitted with implants that replace the worn surfaces The joint is tested for stability and smooth movement The incision is closed and recovery begins Modern techniques focus on accuracy, stability, and early mobilization, which helps patients start walking safely soon after surgery (as advised by the surgeon and physiotherapy team). Recovery after knee replacement: what to expect Recovery is a journey, but it’s a structured one, and progress is usually steady when you follow the plan. In the first few days: Pain control and swelling reduction are prioritized Walking begins with support (walker/cane) as advised Gentle range-of-motion exercises start early In the first few weeks: Physiotherapy becomes the backbone of recovery You’ll work on bending, straightening, strength, and balance Most people can manage basic daily activities with improving comfort Over the next 6–12 weeks: Walking becomes easier and more confident Stairs and longer standing gradually improve Strength and endurance build steadily It’s normal to have ups and downs. Swelling, tightness, and occasional discomfort can happen during rehab. The key is consistency and proper follow-up. Benefits of Total Knee Replacement For the right candidate, TKR can offer: Significant pain relief Better ability to walk, climb stairs, and stand Improved joint stability Better sleep and mood (because chronic pain reduces) Higher overall quality of life Frequently asked questions 1) How long does a knee replacement last? Many implants last for years, especially with good activity habits, healthy weight management, and regular follow-ups. 2) Will I be able to sit cross-legged or squat? This varies based on knee flexibility, anatomy, and implant type. Many patients can sit comfortably, but deep squatting/cross-legged sitting may not be advised or may remain difficult for some. 3) Is age a barrier? Not necessarily. The decision is based on overall health, severity of arthritis, and daily limitations, not only age. 4) Is physiotherapy really that important? Yes. Surgery fixes the joint surfaces, but physiotherapy restores movement, strength, and function. Thinking about knee replacement in Koramangala? If knee pain is limiting your life, don’t ignore it or “push through” for months hoping it will magically improve. The earlier you understand the cause, the more options you may have surgical or non-surgical. At OrthoSport Clinic, Koramangala, Dr. Belliappa (Orthopaedic Consultant) provides patient-focused guidance from diagnosis and second opinions to structured recovery planning so you can choose the right treatment with confidence. Book a consultation to evaluate your knee, review your X-rays, and understand the best next step for long-term relief. Disclaimer: This blog is for general awareness and does not replace a personal medical consultation.