Whether you are an amateur or a professional athlete, sports injuries can get in the way of your active lifestyle. Our sports medicine doctors see a wide range of overuse and acute sports injuries every day, and we understand the importance of injury prevention and effective treatment. In this blog, we will discuss common sports injuries and provide tips for treating and preventing them.
Sprains and Strains
Two of the most common types of sports injuries are sprains and strains. Sprains are a type of ligament injury that occurs when a ligament (connective tissue linking muscle to bone) is stretched past its normal range of motion. Strains, on the other hand, are a type of muscle injury that occurs when a muscle is stretched past its normal range of motion.
These injuries can happen in any sport, but they more commonly occur with activities that involve quick changes in direction or sudden bursts of movement as with basketball, soccer or running. The ankles, wrists, knees and fingers most frequently get sprained and strained.
Treating sprains and strains involves the tried and true first aid protocol called RICE: resting, icing, compressingand elevating the affected body part. RICE stabilizes the injury, relieves pain and swelling and speeds up healing.
With a severe strain or sprain, you may need to wear a splint to immobilize and protect the injured area. Your doctor or physical therapist will tell you what durable medical equipment you may need as you recover.
To prevent sprains and strains, warm up properly before engaging in physical activity. Stretch or do light aerobic exercises to get your muscles ready for movement, stretching, and load-bearing. Additionally, wear proper sports equipment and use wrist braces or athletic gloves during activities that put extra strain on those areas.
Fractures
Broken bones frequently plague athletes and physically active individuals. Symptoms of a fracture may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected extremity. If you suspect you have a broken bone, seek medical attention right away.
Treatment for fractures often involves immobilizing the area with a cast or splint to allow it to heal properly. Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery may be necessary to align and stabilize the bones.
Physical therapy can rebuild strength and mobility once the bone has fully healed.
To prevent fractures, make sure you are using proper form while engaging in physical activities that involve impact or twisting motions. Also, be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards that could lead to falls or collisions.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a repetitive motion disorder. Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are two of the most common sports-related tendonitis conditions. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the affected area, as well as weakness and difficulty performing certain activities.
To prevent tendonitis, it is important to warm up properly before any physical activity and to gradually increase intensity. Use proper form while playing sports or doing repetitive tasks. If you do develop tendonitis, rest and gentle stretching can help alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, your sports medicine doctor may prescribe pain medication or recommend a customized program of physical therapy.
Staying in the Game: Advice from Your Sports Medicine Doctor
The sports medicine doctors at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder have some general but effective advice for preventing sports injuries. It includes:
- Rest and recoverfrom hard workouts (don’t overdo it when training)
- Don’t play or train when you have persistent pain
- Eat a healthy diet with enough carbohydrate and protein content to give muscles the fuel they need to perform and to recover
- Stay well hydrated
- Wear well-fitting sports equipment
- Cross train in various activities to strengthen all your muscle groups
- Keep within the ideal weight range for your age/height/gender to avoid excessive stress and strain on your joints
- Choose activities which are appropriate for your age and fitness level
Also, if you do sustain an acute sports injury, see a sports medicine physician when:
- Pain and swelling persist or worsen
- You cannot use the affected part of the body
- There is an obvious lump, swelling or deformity
- Bruising is extensive
Your Sports Medicine Doctors in Baltimore, MD
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our orthopedic doctors take special interest in the prevention and treatment of sports injuries to the upper extremities. We understand the intricacies of athletic training and the stresses it can place on the human body.
So, if you wish to train more effectively and efficiently and to stay as healthy as possible, contact us for a consultation with the experts. We have locations in Lutherville, Pasadena, Westminster, Bel Air and Clarksville, MD, and we have eight board-certified orthopedic specialists on staff.
Call us at (410) 296-6232 or request your visit here. We will be happy to arrange your appointment and give you the finest upper extremity care available anywhere.
