Sports injuries can be tough. They can affect any area in the body but are common in the hand and upper extremities, such as the shoulder and elbow. These types of injuries can sideline athletes for weeks or even months. However, with the right help, recovery is achievable.
Let’s discuss the role of a sports medicine doctor in sports injury recovery.
Common Causes of Sports Injuries
Sports injuries typically result from various factors, each contributing to the onset and severity of the injury. One of the primary causes is overuse. This is where repetitive motion and stress on a particular muscle or joint lead to wear and tear over time (a chronic injury). Whereas acute injuries often occur due to sudden impacts, such as falls, collisions, or improper landings. This can lead to fractures, sprains, or dislocations.
Inadequate training techniques, insufficient warm-up routines, and poor conditioning can also elevate the risk of injury. Additionally, environmental conditions, including playing surfaces, weather, and inappropriate or defective equipment, can amplify the likelihood of sustaining an injury. Understanding these causes is crucial for both prevention and effective treatment, ensuring athletes can safely return to their sport.
When to Seek Professional Help
Timely medical intervention is critical for effective recovery from sports injuries. Seek prompt medical advice if you have:
- Severe pain
- Extreme bruising or swelling
- Swelling that does not subside
- The inability to move or bear weight on the affected limb/joint
- Symptoms that persist or get worse despite rest and initial self-care measures
- A visible deformity
- Numbness and weakness
A sports medicine doctor can diagnose the injury accurately, recommend appropriate imaging tests if necessary, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
The Role of a Sports Medicine Doctor
A sports medicine doctor can make a big difference in your recovery. They know how to treat sports injuries effectively and can play a vital role in recovery. They diagnose, manage, and treat injuries and have in-depth knowledge of how specific sports can impact different areas of the body. They can create a tailored rehabilitation plan personalized to your unique needs. These plans enable you to recover faster and prevent future injuries.
How Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder Can Help
The compassionate providers at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder are here to help. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors are experts in upper extremity injuries. We specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries to the shoulder, elbow, arm, wrist, hand, and fingers.
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
Our doctors will assess your injury thoroughly and review your medical history. We use the latest technology to get accurate results and tailor treatment options to suit your exact needs.
Personalized Treatment Options
Treatment will depend on the type of injury, ranging from simple immobilization and activity restriction to complex surgery. Our sports medicine doctors are up-to-date in the most advanced nonsurgical and surgical treatments, including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and the latest technology for fracture care.
We are fellowship-trained in endoscopic surgery, microvascular surgery, and plastic surgery to help speed up the recovery process and ensure our patients get high-quality, comprehensive care for their injuries and conditions.
Tailored Rehabilitation Plans
Every injury is different. That’s why we create tailored rehabilitation plans. These plans include various therapies and exercises. They help speed up recovery and prevent future injuries.
The Role of Therapies and Exercises
Therapies and exercises are key to recovery. They help strengthen the injured area and reduce pain. They also improve flexibility and range of motion. Our doctors will guide you through each step.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle Post-Injury
Recovery doesn’t end when the injury heals. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. Eat well, stay active, and follow your doctor’s advice. This will support long-term recovery and help to prevent issues in the future.
Sports Medicine Doctor in Maryland
Recovering from a sports injury requires both time and patience. But with the right care, you can return to doing what you love. Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder is fully equipped to help various sports injuries.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our sports medicine doctors, call us today at (410) 296-6232 or use our appointment request form.
