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Sports Medicine

a man is holding a tennis racquet and has wrist pain

The hands, arms, elbows, and shoulders are especially vulnerable to getting injured in sports. Between frequent repetitive movements and significant impacts involved in athletic activities, upper extremity injuries are bound to happen.

  • Hands and Arms Are Prone to Sports Injuries. Frequent repetitive movements can affect the joints, and physical impacts can cause sudden bone breaks, ligament tears, and more.
  • Our Board-Certified Surgeons Specialize in Sports Medicine. Our surgeons have fellowship training in microvascular, endoscopic, and plastic surgery to provide comprehensive care.
  • We Stay at the Forefront of Your Care. Our sports medicine doctors use the latest technologies and techniques for fracture care, nonsurgical treatments, and surgical interventions.

At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, you can rely on our sports medicine specialists to provide you with effective treatment delivered with precision and compassion.

Meet Our Hand Surgeons 

Common Sports Medicine Conditions Treated

We understand that sports injuries happen. Some of the most common sports injuries we treat include:

We also offer treatment for the following:

A fracture is a break in a bone that can range from a hairline crack to a complete separation into multiple pieces. Sports-related fractures are often caused by trauma, falls, and/or repetitive stress.

Common symptoms include:

  • Immediate and severe pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Visible deformity
  • Inability to use the affected limb

Our orthopedic sports medicine specialists diagnose fractures using physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays. Treatment for a fracture depends on the type and location, ranging from nonsurgical options like casting or bracing to surgical procedures that use plates, screws, or rods to realign and stabilize the bone for proper healing.

A shoulder separation is an injury to the ligaments that connect the collarbone to the shoulder blade. Different from a dislocation, this injury typically occurs from a direct blow to the shoulder or a fall onto an outstretched hand.

Symptoms often include:

  • Intense pain at the top of the shoulder
  • A visible bump or deformity above the shoulder
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Limited shoulder movement

Diagnosing shoulder separation typically involves a physical examination and X-ray imaging. Treatment options will vary based on the degree of separation, with mild cases often managed with a sling and physical therapy, and more severe separations requiring surgery to repair the damaged ligaments.

Sprains and strains are common injuries affecting ligaments (sprains) and muscles or tendons (strains), often resulting from a sudden twist, fall, or overexertion.

Key symptoms include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Limited ability to move the affected joint or muscle

Our specialists diagnose these injuries through a physical examination to assess the area of injury and your range of motion. Treatment for most sprains and strains involves non-surgical methods such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility.

a sports medicine specialist applies yellow kinesiology tape to a woman’s shoulder to support and stabilize the joint

FAQs

You should consider seeing a specialist if you experience any of the following after an injury:

  • Persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness that doesn't improve with rest.
  • A noticeable deformity in a bone or joint.
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand, wrist, or arm.
  • Inability to perform daily activities or sport-specific movements without pain.
  • A "popping" or "snapping" sound at the time of injury.

Yes, sports medicine is a comprehensive field that includes injury rehabilitation and recovery as part of your treatment journey. Our specialists create personalized rehabilitation programs designed to restore strength, flexibility, and function after an injury. Our team will be happy to provide you with the resources you need to carry out your rehabilitation plan.

Absolutely! Your sports medicine doctor is here to help you prevent all future orthopedic injuries. By evaluating your movement patterns, identifying imbalances, and understanding the demands of your sport, they can create a personalized prevention plan for your specific needs.

Most sports injuries do not require surgery and can be treated with conservative methods like lifestyle modifications, rest, and medication. Surgery is typically only considered for more severe injuries, such as:

  • Complete ligament tears
  • Complex fractures
  • Conditions for which nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective

Your board-certified orthopedic doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation of your injury to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for your specific injury.

At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, we prioritize getting you seen by a physician as quickly as possible, especially for sudden sports-related injuries. We offer timely appointments and will work to schedule you with one of our sports medicine specialists at the earliest available opening. Please call our office directly at (410) 296-6232 to find the most up-to-date appointment availability so we can address your needs promptly.

Visit Our Hand & Upper Extremity Sports Medicine Specialists in Maryland

To schedule an appointment with any of the skilled sports medicine physicians and hand specialists at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, fill out our secure online appointment request form. You may also call our office today at (410) 296-6232, and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you.