What are sports injuries?
Sports injuries can occur during any type of exercise, including participating in team sports. A sports injury can involve sudden trauma, like a fall, or it may develop slowly from repetitive movements that overwork your muscles and joints.
Anyone can get a sports injury, but you may be at higher risk if you play contact sports, don’t warm up properly before you exercise, or begin a new fitness routine after a period of inactivity.
What are common types of sports injuries?
The multidisciplinary team at Johnson Medical Center treats all types of sports injuries, including:
- Sprains and strains
- Tendinitis
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
- Meniscus tears
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis elbow
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Fractures
- Dislocations
Sprains and strains are among the most common sports injuries. These injuries occur when you overstretch or tear a ligament (sprain) or muscle (strain).
What are the symptoms of sports injuries?
Sports injuries that are due to trauma, such as a fall or getting tackled in football, cause intense pain immediately after the injury. A sports injury that results from overuse, such as Achilles tendinitis, may begin with a mild ache and worsen over time.
Other signs and symptoms of sports injuries include redness, swelling, stiffness, and reduced ability to move the joint. If you have any of these symptoms, call Johnson Medical Center for an evaluation.
How are sports injuries diagnosed?
First, the team at Johnson Medical Center asks you to describe how the injury occurred. They carefully examine the injured area, checking for tenderness, swelling, and restricted range of motion. They may also take an X-ray to look for a fracture or bone deformity.
How are sports injuries treated?
After they diagnose your specific type of sports injury, the expert team at Johnson Medical Center creates an individualized treatment plan. Depending on your needs, treatment for sports injuries may include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Immobilization in a cast or brace
- Laser therapy
- Chiropractic care
The nurse practitioner at Johnson Medical Center also provides regenerative medicine treatments for sports injuries, including mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Regenerative medicine can help you recover faster so you can return to your sport or activity as quickly and safely as possible.
For advanced, integrative care of sports injuries, call Johnson Medical Center, or book an appointment online today.
