Cricket looks gentle, but it puts a lot of strain on the body. For example, fast bowling loads the back and shoulder. Also, fielding brings diving catches and hard throws. So many players need cricket injury treatment in Ahmedabad at some point. This guide explains the common injuries, what to do first, and how recovery works. It comes from OrthoSport Hospital on SG Highway.

Cricket injury treatment in Ahmedabad: which injuries are most common?

Indian cricketers have been studied closely. In one study, researchers followed 319 male players from five state cricket associations for a year. About 11 in 100 players were injured. The shoulder (22.85% of injuries), the lower back (17.14%) and the knee (11.42%) were hit most often. Also, bowling injuries caused 49.5% of the lost playing days.

Meanwhile, another study followed 95 cricketers in north India for a year. It found 16 injuries to the arm and hand. Fingers were the most common site, and fielding caused 10 of the 16. The average time lost was 33 days.

Each study counted different players, so the numbers differ. However, the pattern is clear. The shoulder, back, knee and hand need the most care.

List of common types of injuries according to body part involved:

  • Lower back – Spondylolysis, Pars interarticularis stress fractures, Disc degeneration
  • Shoulder – Rotator cuff tears/tendinitis, Labral tears such as SLAP (very common), Glenohumeral dislocations
  • Elbow – Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), Valgus extension overload syndrome, Ulnar collateral ligament sprains
  • Abdomen – Side strains (internal/external oblique muscle or fascia tears)
  • Fingers – Finger/thumb fractures, Volar plate avulsion fractures, Mallet finger
  • Legs – Hamstring strains, Quadriceps strains, ACL/Meniscus tears, Ankle sprains

Fast bowler injuries: back pain and shoulder pain

Low back pain is common in cricketers, especially in teenage fast bowlers. A research review on PubMed found moderate evidence that bone stress seen on an MRI can raise the risk of a stress fracture in the lower back. Therefore, a young bowler whose back pain lasts or keeps returning should get checked early. Bowling through it is not a plan.

Shoulder trouble comes from repeated bowling, it can damage the joint labrum very frequently leading to injury called SLAP tear which remains under diagnosed in majority of cases leading to early retirement for many bowlers, also can irritate the rotator cuff tendons. You may feel weakness, or a catch when you lift the arm. Our pages on shoulder surgery and pain treatment and tendon and rotator cuff repair explain the options.

Batter and fielder injuries: fingers, hands and knees

In the north India study, fielding caused most of the arm and hand injuries. The list included a mallet finger, a dislocated finger joint and gamekeeper’s thumb. So a finger that looks bent, cannot straighten or stays swollen needs an X-ray.

A hard ball can also break a bone. A review of community cricket in BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine found that fractures were the most common injury in hospital studies. Being hit by the ball was the most common cause. Because of this, always wear a helmet and the right gear.

Knee injuries come from sudden turns, quick runs between the wickets and dives. For example, a twist can tear the meniscus or the ACL. You can read more about ACL surgery and knee arthroscopy.

First aid before cricket injury treatment in Ahmedabad

Because playing on can turn a small tear into a big one, stop as soon as you feel the injury. For sprains and strains, the NHS advises the PRICE steps for the first 2 to 3 days:

  • Protect the injury from further harm.
  • Rest and avoid putting weight on it.
  • Ice it for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
  • Compress it with a bandage for support.
  • Elevate it on a pillow.

In the first couple of days, avoid heat, alcohol and massage. They can increase swelling.

When should you see a doctor?

Go to an emergency department if you heard a crack, or the limb has changed shape. Go quickly too if you feel numbness, or you cannot put weight on the leg. Also go after a blow to the head that leaves you confused, drowsy or vomiting.

See an orthopaedic doctor soon if pain lasts more than a few days. The same applies if swelling keeps returning, or the joint gives way or locks. A bowler with back pain that does not settle should be seen as well.

How we plan cricket injury treatment in Ahmedabad

First, the doctor asks how the injury happened and what you do in the team. A bowler, a batter and a wicketkeeper are hurt in different ways. Then the doctor examines the joint. An X-ray or MRI is added only when it will change the plan.

Still, most cricket injury treatment in Ahmedabad starts with non-surgical care. This means rest from the painful action, physiotherapy and strength work. You can read about our physiotherapy and our wider sports injury treatment. Surgery comes next if a tear leaves the joint unstable, or the joint locks. Most of these operations use keyhole methods.

Recovery and return to cricket

Recovery depends on the injury, since each one heals differently. The NHS says most sprains and strains feel better after about 2 weeks, but severe ones can take months. After a shoulder dislocation, recovery takes 6 to 12 weeks, and some sports need up to 16. In the north India study, 62.5% of injuries kept players out for more than 4 weeks.

So return in steps. First win back full movement. Then rebuild strength. After that, start throwing or bowling in short spells before you play a match. Ask your physiotherapist to plan the number of overs you add each week.

How to prevent cricket injuries

You cannot remove all risk, but you can lower it:

  • First, warm up the shoulders, hips and back before you bowl or throw.
  • Build up bowling and throwing slowly. No single limit suits everyone, so ask your coach or physiotherapist to set a weekly load.
  • Also strengthen your core, hips and shoulders.
  • Wear a helmet, pads, gloves and a guard when you bat.
  • Finally, stop when pain starts, and get it checked.

The north India authors also called for a health check before the season. A pre-season visit to an orthopaedic doctor can find weak spots early.

Frequently asked questions

Which doctor should I see for a cricket injury?

See an orthopaedic doctor who treats sports injuries. You can meet our team on the doctors page.

Where can I get cricket injury treatment in Ahmedabad?

You can visit OrthoSport Hospital, opposite Prahladnagar Fire Station, behind YMCA Club, SG Highway, Ahmedabad. Please bring your reports and any MRI.

How long do cricket injuries take to heal?

It depends on the injury. Mild sprains settle in about 2 weeks. However, tears, dislocations and bone injuries take weeks or months.

Can I keep bowling with back pain?

No. Because back pain that lasts or returns in a young fast bowler can point to a stress injury, get it checked first. A scan may be needed.

Do cricket injuries need surgery?

Not always. Many injuries heal with rest and physiotherapy. However, surgery is for injuries that stay unstable, lock the joint or do not improve.

How do I book cricket injury treatment in Ahmedabad?

You can book an appointment online or call +91 9090080505.

Book cricket injury treatment in Ahmedabad

Hurt your shoulder, back, knee or hand on the field? Then do not wait for it to settle. Visit OrthoSport Hospital on SG Highway. Our team will find the cause first. Then we will plan your cricket injury treatment in Ahmedabad and the safest way back to the crease.

This page is for general information. It does not replace advice from your doctor.

Sources: NHS — Sprains and strains; NHS — Dislocated shoulder; Epidemiology of annual musculoskeletal injuries among male cricket players in India, Indian Journal of Community Health, 2020; Nature and incidence of upper limb injuries in professional cricket players, Dhillon et al., 2012; Medical-attention injuries in community cricket: a systematic review, BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine; PubMed — low back pain in cricketers.