The Olympics through the eyes of a sports doctor
author Dr. Bence Balázs Moravcsik | 2024 .08.12.
Dr. Balázs Bence Moravcsik, orthopedic traumatologist, participated in an exciting discussion on Kossuth Radio about sports health and the treatment of possible injuries.
The importance of sports medicine
During the Olympic Games, the treatment of sport-specific injuries by medical specialists is a major issue. Naturally , professional athletes are followed by a team of doctors who are already familiar with the athlete's medical history and any previous injuries, so they can provide personalised treatment and advice during training. The Hungarian national team was also accompanied by a team of sports doctors who are specialists in all disciplines, who know the athletes well and are prepared for possible accidents and injuries.
Sports health: what do you need to look out for?
Anyone who follows the Olympics can see that the bodies of elite athletes are subjected toextreme physical stressduring the competition, which they prepare for gradually over a period of years. In some sports, it's the few minutes when you have to perform at 120% of your strength that counts, and this can easily lead to injury from overwork .
What are the most common sports injuries?
Injuries are very much dependent on the sport: combat sports, where there is direct contact between competitors, have different risks than, for example, a ball game with a sudden change of direction. This is why we can talk about sport -specific injuries: for example, cruciate ligament ruptures, which mainly affect handball players.
What other sport health risks are there?
In fact, in elite sport, you can always talk about overload : cardiovascular stress, extreme muscular strain, is not an everyday occurrence, so you have to be consciously prepared for it.
Sports doctors are also well aware that it is not only the risk of injury itself that is at stake when playing sport, many athletes also suffer from chronic complaints: it is not by chance that terms such as "running elbow" or "tennis elbow" exist. These can be the result of varying loads. It is therefore important to pay attention to adequate rest. Over-exertion can easily backfire, reducing sports performance, but other problems can also arise:
What other sport health risks are there?
In fact, in elite sport, you can always talk about overload : cardiovascular stress, extreme muscular strain, is not an everyday occurrence, so you have to be consciously prepared for it.
Sports doctors are also well aware that it is not only the risk of injury itself that is at stake when playing sport, many athletes also suffer from chronic complaints: it is not by chance that terms such as "running elbow" or "tennis elbow" exist. These can be the result of varying loads. It is therefore important to pay attention to adequate rest. Over-exertion can easily backfire, reducing sports performance, but other problems can also arise:
What can cause overload?
- fatigue,
- insomnia,
- loss of appetite,
- mental disorder,
- loss of motivation.
It is therefore important to design a training programme that is appropriate for the fitness level of the athlete, with appropriate rest periods. Know your limits and listen to the advice of coaches, physiotherapists and sports doctors. Sports medicine has also evolved because the rehabilitation protocol for athletes is different, as the priority is to recover as quickly as possible.
What to do in case of injuries?
Injury prevention is key and involves proper training and technique, proper footwear and adequate rest between workouts. Early intervention by a health professional at the first onset of symptoms can prevent injury progression and reduce an athlete's downtime. Ensuring a balanced diet, staying hydrated and incorporating strength and flexibility exercises into routine workouts are also key steps in preventing pathways.
What to do in case of injuries?
Injury prevention is key and involves proper training and technique, proper footwear and adequate rest between workouts. Early intervention by a health professional at the first onset of symptoms can prevent injury progression and reduce an athlete's downtime. Ensuring a balanced diet, staying hydrated and incorporating strength and flexibility exercises into routine workouts are also key steps in preventing pathways.
What are the benefits of sport from a sports doctor's point of view?
- Physical fitness:
Elite athletes are usually in extremely good physical condition. Cardiovascular and pulmonary function, as well as muscular strength and endurance, are often superior to their average counterparts. - Mental health:
Intense exercise relieves stress. - Social relationships:
Live sport often involves a team spirit and a sense of community, which can have a positive impact on an individual's quality of life.
What are the disadvantages of elite sports?
Although they offer many benefits, live sports also carry certain disadvantages and risks, which can have serious health, psychological and social impacts.
- Physical injuries
- Psychological pressure and mental health problems
- Impact on social and family life
- Overwork syndrome
- Lack of early specialisation and versatility
- Health risks
Can anyone become a top athlete?
So athletes have to weigh up the pros and cons consciously , and this is often decided at an early age.
Without genetic predispositions and parental support, most athletes do not make it to the competition. But regular, conscious exercise is important for joints, muscles and the whole body. Proper exercise and a healthy diet will help you to live a life free of complaints, and that's a win in the race of life!