A sore knee after running or a rolled ankle during weekend sport can sometimes settle with time. In other cases, pain, swelling or instability may continue and make it difficult to exercise or even complete normal day-to-day activities.
Knowing when to have an injury medically assessed can help you understand what is causing your symptoms and determine an appropriate management plan.
At North Brighton Medical Centre, GP and sports doctor Dr Mark Benton has a particular interest in Sport and Exercise Medicine, including knee and ankle conditions, injury assessment, rehabilitation and return-to-sport planning.
Sports Medicine Isn't Only for Professional Athletes
The term "sports medicine" can make it sound like a service designed exclusively for professional athletes.
In reality, sport and exercise-related problems can affect people at every activity level.
You might develop knee pain while preparing for a fun run, roll your ankle playing social netball, experience recurring pain after weekend football, or notice discomfort after increasing the amount of exercise you do at the gym.
A Sport and Exercise Medicine consultation can be relevant when an injury or medical concern affects your ability to participate comfortably in physical activity.
When Should Knee Pain Be Assessed?
Knee pain can develop suddenly following an injury or gradually over time.
An acute injury might occur while changing direction, landing from a jump, falling or experiencing contact during sport. Other knee problems may develop progressively as training volume or activity changes.
Consider arranging a medical assessment if you experience symptoms such as:
Significant or worsening knee pain
Difficulty putting weight through the affected leg
Difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee
A knee that repeatedly gives way or feels unstable
Locking or catching in the knee
Persistent swelling
Symptoms that are not improving as expected
Repeated episodes of the same knee problem
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate a serious injury, but they can warrant further assessment to establish what is causing them.
When Is Knee Pain More Urgent?
Some knee problems require more urgent medical attention.
Seek prompt medical assessment if your knee has changed shape following an injury, is severely swollen, or you cannot walk or put weight through it.
A painful, red and hot knee accompanied by a fever also requires urgent medical assessment.
If you have sustained a major injury or are concerned about the severity of your symptoms, seek appropriate urgent medical care rather than waiting for a routine sports medicine appointment.
When Should an Ankle Injury Be Assessed?
Ankle sprains are common in sports involving running, jumping and sudden changes in direction. They can also happen during everyday activities.
An ankle sprain occurs when ligaments around the ankle are stretched or damaged after the ankle moves beyond its normal range.
Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty moving or putting weight through the ankle.
You should consider seeing a doctor if:
You cannot put weight on the affected ankle
Pain or swelling is significant
Your symptoms are becoming worse rather than better
Pain, stiffness or swelling persists despite initial management
Your ankle repeatedly feels unstable
You have experienced repeated ankle sprains
Ankle pain is preventing you from completing normal activities
A previous ankle injury can also be important information for your doctor, particularly when the same ankle continues to cause problems.
When Does an Ankle Injury Need Urgent Care?
Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect a fracture or dislocation, the ankle appears deformed, or the pain is severe.
A hot, red and swollen ankle associated with fever also requires urgent medical assessment.
What About Pain That Develops Gradually?
Not every sports-related problem starts with an obvious injury.
Pain can develop gradually with running, gym training, cycling, football or other repetitive activities. Tendons, muscles and joints can become symptomatic without a single memorable incident.
Persistent pain may become particularly noticeable during certain movements or after increasing the frequency or intensity of an activity.
Rather than relying solely on how painful something feels, it can be useful to consider whether the problem is:
Continuing or becoming worse
Affecting normal movement
Limiting your ability to exercise
Returning every time you resume activity
Causing weakness or instability
Affecting everyday activities
Persistent symptoms can have many possible causes, so an individual medical assessment is important rather than attempting to diagnose an injury based on symptoms alone.
What Happens When You See a Sports Medicine Doctor?
A sports medicine consultation generally starts with understanding both your symptoms and the activity that places demands on the affected area.
Your doctor may ask about:
How and when your symptoms began
Whether there was a specific injury
The type of sport or exercise you do
Recent changes to training or activity
Previous injuries to the same area
What movements make symptoms better or worse
How the problem affects your normal activities
A physical examination may be required to assess factors such as movement, swelling, tenderness, stability or function.
Depending on the findings, further investigation such as imaging may sometimes be appropriate. Your doctor can also discuss management options and arrange referrals to other healthcare professionals when required.
Why Return-to-Sport Planning Matters
Feeling better does not always mean an injury has completely recovered.
Returning to sport can depend on the type and severity of the injury, your symptoms, your movement and strength, and the demands of the activity you are returning to.
For this reason, return-to-sport decisions are individual rather than based on a single standard timeframe.
A healthcare professional can assess your progress and help determine an appropriate approach based on your particular circumstances.
Seeing a Sports Medicine Doctor in Brighton
Dr Mark Benton is a Brighton GP and sports doctor with a particular interest in Sport and Exercise Medicine.
His areas of interest include sports injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, rehabilitation and return-to-sport planning, with particular experience in knee and ankle conditions.
North Brighton Medical Centre sees patients from Brighton and surrounding suburbs including Gardenvale, Elsternwick, Ripponlea, Elwood, Caulfield South, Bentleigh, McKinnon and Ormond.
If knee or ankle pain is persisting, recurring or interfering with your sport, exercise or daily activities, you can learn more about Sport and Exercise Medicine at North Brighton Medical or book an appointment for an individual assessment.
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information about sports injuries and exercise-related health concerns. It should not be used to diagnose an injury or replace individual medical advice. If you have pain, swelling, reduced movement or other concerning symptoms, speak with your doctor or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Seek urgent medical attention where symptoms are severe or you are concerned that an injury may require immediate care.