What to do in the event of a sports accident?
Author Dr. Bence Balázs Moravcsik | 2025.03.11.
Dr. Bence Balázs Moravcsik, medical director and permanent orthopaedic expert of Duna TV's family-friendly programme, gave another exciting interview. This time, the focus was on skiing and the possible injuries and their treatment. What to look out for in sport and when to seek medical help?
What can a sports accident involve?
All active exercise - especially seasonal, intense sports such as skiing, snowboarding or cycling - carries some risks.
A sports accident can cause not only momentary discomfort but also longer-term health problems, especially if not treated properly. It's important to know what symptoms can lead you to suspect a serious injury, what types of sports injuries are most common, and when to consult an orthopaedic specialist.
“The main thing is that if we have an accident, an injury, we should take it seriously. Apparently, there can be a serious problem behind a simple sprain. It's worth taking even a banal sprain seriously and stop, relax and see what the consequences are.”
- suggests the orthopaedic traumatologist.
Characteristics of sports accidents - What is serious?
Many of us tend to take lightly what may seem like minor twitches and sprains, because under the influence of adrenaline we often don't realise the true severity of the pain. But neglected „minor” injuries can have irreversible consequences in the long term.
An important rule of thumb:
- Even if you only feel a slight pain, it will not go away in a few days.
- Swelling, discolouration, movement restriction or instability are always a warning sign!
The most common sports accidents
The type of accident is mainly determined by the nature of the sport. The five most common categories of sports accidents are described below:
Cruciate ligament rupture and cartilage separation
- Two serious knee injuries that should not be taken lightly
Anterior cruciate ligament tear (ACL tear)
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most important stabilising elements of the knee. Tears often occur as a result of sudden changes in direction, twisting or a bad landing - typically while skiing or playing ball.
Symptoms:
- Sharp, popping sound or sensation at the moment of injury
- Immediate, severe pain and swelling
- Feeling of instability, „knees going out”
- Unable to bear a load
Treatment: In young, active athletes, the ligament is typically surgically replaced (reconstruction). After surgery, a long rehabilitation period of 4-6 months with physiotherapy is required. In milder cases - older, less active patients - conservative treatment (knee braces, physiotherapy) may be sufficient.
Meniscus injury, cartilage separation
The role of the crescent-shaped cartilage structures (menisci) inside the knee is to provide load bearing and stability. The meniscus can be easily injured during sudden turns or kneeling - often associated with cruciate ligament injuries.
Symptoms:
- Deep, stabbing pain inside the knee
- Limited mobility, e.g. „stuck” knee
- Swelling, especially the next morning
- Crunching sound when moving
Management: For minor injuries, rest, icing and physiotherapy may be sufficient. However, for more serious cartilage tears, arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery is required to remove or repair the damaged cartilage.
In both cases, it is worth consulting an orthopaedic specialist as soon as possible, as early treatment can help avoid long-term knee problems such as joint wear.
Ankle injuries
Injuries to the ankle are common when running, hiking, playing ball and especially when changing direction suddenly.
Symptoms:
- Pain when stepping
- Swelling, bruising
- Disability
- Uncertain gait
First Aid
- Rest
- Freezing (maximum 15-20 minutes)
- Compression fascia
- Upholstery
Wrist fracture and dislocation
The wrist is particularly vulnerable in winter sports, especially snowboarding, where the fall is reflexive and manual.
Symptoms:
- Pain and swelling after a fall
- Displaced bone end, deformity
- Immobility
Important!
Wrist injuries should always be taken seriously because the fine motor skills of the hand can easily be damaged.
Shoulder and collarbone injuries - typical in case of a fall
Injuries to the shoulder girdle are most common during falls, such as skiing or cycling. They can include dislocations, clavicle fractures or rotator cuff injuries
Symptoms:
- Severe pain when moving the shoulder
- Shoulder asymmetry, deformity
- Immobility
What kind of sports accident should we see an orthopaedic specialist after?
Many people put off a medical examination because they trust that „it will go away”. But early diagnosis can significantly shorten recovery time and prevent permanent damage.
Warning signs:
- Pain that persists beyond 48 hours
- Significant swelling or discolouration
- Disability
- Articular instability or deformity
- Increasing pain on load
The importance of rehabilitation - Don't leave it behind!
The healing does not end when the pain is gone. Joints that have not been properly rehabilitated are more prone to re-injury and performance can decline.
Steps to rehabilitation:
- Rest and anti-inflammation
- Physiotherapy (muscle strengthening, increasing range of motion)
- Gradual return to sport
Sports accidents in children
- When should you take it more seriously?
Children's movements are active, dynamic and their reflexes are quick, but their growth zones make them even more vulnerable. Often we think they will „outgrow” the problem, but a neglected accident can cause complaints decades later.
A specialist examination is required if:
- The child can't stand on its feet
- Swelling, pain, limited mobility
- Haematoma, discolouration occurs
How to reduce sports accidents
Most sports accidents could be prevented with proper preparation and awareness.
The most important preventive steps:
- 1. Warm-up every time
Cold muscles and ligaments are more vulnerable. Even a 10-minute warm-up will reduce the chance of pulling or spraining. - 2. Stretching at the end of the workout
It is as important as the warm-up for recovery. It helps prevent muscle shortening and tension. - 3. Gradual load
After a winter break, don't go straight from the top. For example, instead of a 30 km bike ride, start with 10-15 km. - 4. Appropriate equipment
- Well-adjusted ski binding
- Knee and wrist pads
- Head protection (helmet) - mandatory and life-saving
- Good quality shoes that hold the ankle
Have a question? Contact our orthopaedic specialists!
If you or a family member has suffered a sports accident, don't delay getting a medical check-up. Our clinic is staffed by trained orthopaedic specialists who use the latest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to help you recover.