Sports Injuries Q & A

What does sports medicine treat?

Sports medicine involves the treatment of injuries and conditions that are a direct result of participation in sports. Sports injuries can be the result of accidents, improper training, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises. The most common sports injuries are sprains and strains, fractures, and dislocations.

What are some common sports injuries?

The physical exertion in sports can bring about injury to different parts of the body. Some of the most common injuries in sports include:

Knee injuries – Anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) tears in the knee are quite common.

Foot and ankle injuries - Injuries in the leg below the knee include sprains and strains, ankle fractures, and Achilles tendinitis.

Shoulder injuries - Severe pain in shoulders is caused by overuse of shoulder while playing sports.

Hip injuries – Because the hip joint is a weight-bearing structure it is more susceptible to fractures of the femur bone, labral tear, and hip dislocation.

What are the most common treatments for injury?

The most common treatment recommended for an injury is the RICE method. This means:

Rest to avoid aggravating the injury.

Ice applied to the injured area to diminish swelling and pain.

Compression of the injured area with elastic wraps and splints can help to reduce swelling.

Elevate the injured area above heart level will reduce swelling and pain.

Dr. K has extensive experience in treating a wide range of different conditions and injuries that can be the result of sports. Fractures, tears, dislocations, and blunt-force trauma injuries should be treated immediately. Treatment for these conditions may include orthotics, braces, physical therapy, injections, or surgery to repair torn muscles and ligaments. Rehabilitation programs and physical therapy is often recommended following the medical intervention to strengthen your muscles, improve elasticity, and improve the movements of the bones and joints.