Treating Sports Medicine Injuries

A weekend pickleball game. A morning run before work. A youth baseball tournament. What do all these things have in common? They're among the many ways you or your child can wind up with a sports injury.

Sports injuries typically involve bones, joints, muscles, and other musculoskeletal tissues. And they're not just a problem for competitive athletes. Anyone who's active can wind up with an injury that sidelines them from their favorite pastime or even their job.

Sports injuries can happen suddenly—for instance, if you collide with another athlete or roll your ankle. They may also come on gradually due to repeating the same motion, such as throwing a ball or swinging a club. You might have sudden (acute) symptoms or ongoing (chronic) aches and pains.

Some of the more common sports injuries include:

• Shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears.
• Elbow injuries, such as tennis, golf and little league elbow.
• Knee injuries, such as runner's knee; meniscus tears; and anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tears.
• Ankle injuries, such as sprains and Achilles tendon tears.
• Non-orthopedic injuries, such as concussions, are also common during sports.

What treatments are available?

For minor injuries, doctors often recommend treating pain and swelling with RICE:

• Rest. Rest the injured area.
• Ice. Apply a cold pack several times a day.
• Compression. Use a compression bandage to help manage swelling.
• Elevation. Elevate the injury—for instance, prop a sprained ankle up with several pillows so it's above the level of your heart.

See a health care provider if these at-home steps don't help or if you have signs of a more serious injury, such as severe pain, swelling or bruising; pain and swelling that last more than a few days; or the injured area's inability to bear weight.

Many types of providers diagnose and treat sports injuries. This includes orthopedic doctors, who often specialize in sports injury care. Your orthopedic specialist may first suggest conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or bracing. But if these types of treatments don't help enough, your orthopedic specialist may recommend surgery to help you get back to your active life.

For instance, sometimes surgery is needed to repair tissues or realign broken bones. Surgery is typically followed by a rehabilitation program to help prepare you to return to your activity.

Don’t let pain or injury keep you from doing the things you love. Whether you’re dealing with a recent sports injury or ongoing joint or muscle pain, Memorial’s orthopedic and sports medicine specialists are here to provide expert care every step of the way – from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and recovery. With advanced techniques and a personalized approach, Memorial’s specialist can help you heal safely and get back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

Schedule your appointment today and take the first steps toward getting back in the game and back to your life.

Resources:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

American Academy of Pediatrics

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases