Sports Medicine Physicians’ Most Commonly Treated Injuries
Rarely anybody who plays a sport does not experience an injury. About 30 million children and teens play an organized sport. Out of that, there are approximately 3.5 million injuries a year. Whether it means getting “banged up,” missing a few weeks or even missing an entire season, injuries are prevalent. To return to the game that you or someone you know loves to play, look to get quick medical treatment from a sports medicine physician.
5 Most Common Injuries Treated by Sports Medicine Doctors
EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region’s sports medicine doctors have decades of experience and are trained in many sports injury disciplines. Though there are many different sports injury types, the following are the five most common injuries treated by sports medicine physicians:
Sprains
A sprain is when a ligament gets overextended. Though sprains can happen in just about any part of the body, the most common place for a sprain to occur is in the ankle.
Athletes are more likely to get sprains than the standard population because of the enhanced physical activity, and contact sports are more susceptible to sprains than noncontact sports. Symptoms include:
Pain
Swelling
Tenderness
Loss of range of motion
Bruising
If suffering from a sprain, there are treatment methods that will help you or a loved one return to the desired sport. In most cases, the RICE method is advised (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) accompanied by over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. The injury will begin to feel better in about two weeks. These injuries do not normally need orthopedic surgery unless the sprain is severe to the point where a ligament tears.
Strains
Similar to a sprain, a strain is when a muscle or tendon overstretches. Strains commonly occur in the feet, legs, and back. The symptoms are categorized by:
Pain
Swelling
Tenderness
Loss of range of motion
Muscle spasms
Muscle weakness
As with a sprain, strains should use the RICE method with medication. If the muscle or tendon tears, you may need surgery.
Knee Injuries
Because of constant changes of direction, running, jumping, and twisting in sports, the knee is at risk of suffering several injuries such as:
If you have a knee injury, you will likely experience:
Pain
Swelling
Stiffness
Instability
A popping or crunching noise
Inability to straighten the knee
Some knee pain can be treated with anti-inflammatories and the RICE method. However, depending on the severity of the knee injury, orthopedic surgery may be required. If you are unsure if you need knee surgery, schedule an appointment with an orthopedic sports medicine doctor.
Fractures
A fracture is a break or a crack in the bone. In athletes, fractures can happen from collisions, falls, or repetitive stress on the bone. There are many different types of fractures an athlete can experience:
Stable fracture: When broken ends of the bone line up and are barely out of place
Compound fracture: The bone may pierce the skin and may not be visible in the wound
Transverse fracture: A fracture with a horizontal fracture line
Oblique fracture: A fracture with an angled pattern
Comminuted fracture: A fracture where the bone shatters into three or more pieces
To properly diagnose a fracture, a sports medicine doctor will evaluate the injured body part, usually with an X-ray. For treating the fracture, the doctor may use a(n):
Immobilized or functional cast to keep the bone in the proper position
Traction to align the bone(s) with gentle pulling
External fixation, where metal pins or screws are placed above and below the injured bone on the outside of the body
Internal fixation, where metal pins or screws are placed inside the body to hold the bone(s) together
Fractures can take weeks or months to fully recover. Since the injured area will be in a cast for quite a while, when the cast gets removed, that area may not have the strength that it once did. Exercising the area will regain strength.
Dislocation
A dislocation is when a joint is forced out of place, usually from trauma forcing the joint out. Ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, elbows, fingers, toes, and the jaw are susceptible to dislocations. A dislocation comes with:
Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Joint instability
Unable to move the joint
Visibly deformed joint
Treatments for dislocations include:
Medication
Manipulation by “popping” the joint back in place
Rest
Rehabilitation with physical therapy
Surgery if:
Manipulation does not work
Dislocation damaged blood vessels or nerves
One experiences damaged bones, or torn muscles or ligaments
Recovery time for a dislocation depends on the severity of the injury. Some athletes can return to their sport immediately after manipulation, whereas others may need weeks to recover.
Injury Prevention
Though these injuries are common, athletes can take precautionary measures to limit the chance of an injury. However, even if an athlete follows these injury prevention methods, they can still get injured. To limit the chance of injuries, athletes should:
Stretch and warm up before activity
Perform strength exercises
Wear the right shoes and size for their sport
Use tape or braces for support
Rest when possible
Learn proper techniques
Not play through pain
If you or a loved one gets injured, be sure to follow the instructions of your sports medicine physician. Failure to do so may prolong recovery or make an injury worse.
How EmergeOrtho Can Help
The EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region board-certified sports medicine physicians offer years of knowledge and expertise to treat your sports injury. Though this list consists of the most common injuries treated, our sports medicine doctors treat a wide range of sports injuries. Before recommending surgery, our specialists explore all nonsurgical options, which may include bracing, medication, casting, injections, and physical therapy. If surgery is needed, our advanced technology allows our surgeons to offer both traditional and minimally invasive procedures that allow patients to recover sooner.
To meet with one of our sports medicine physicians, request an appointment, schedule an appointment, or call (919) 220-5255.
