Which injuries do sports medicine specialists treat?
At the Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County, the team treats all sports injuries, whether they happen during competitive sports, at the local gym, while jogging, or during a walk through your neighborhood.
You might suffer a traumatic injury like a fracture, torn ligament, or meniscus, but overuse injuries are more common. Overuse injuries happen when you repeatedly perform the same movement, resulting in tears and inflammation.
The most common sports injuries include:
- Knee ligament tears (ACL tears)
- Meniscus tears
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Shoulder labral tears (SLAP Tears)
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Ankle sprains
- Shin splints
- Hamstring strain
- Finger injuries
- Stress fractures
Your risk of a sports injury increases if you play high-impact sports, overtrain, use poor technique, or wear inadequate protective gear.
When would I need a sports medicine specialist?
Athletes often push through the pain, which might build character and strengthen muscles, but it doesn’t do a sports injury much good. Continuing to stay active worsens an existing injury, leading to more intensive treatment and a longer recovery.
The following symptoms are signs you need medical attention:
- Severe or ongoing pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Joint instability
- Limited movement
- Inability to use an arm or leg
- Muscle weakness
- Tingling or numbness
Sudden pain with rapid swelling and bruising often signals a fracture or severe sprain. Overuse injuries cause mild pain at first, then your symptoms get progressively worse over time.
What treatments do sports medicine specialists provide?
Your Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County provider begins with the most appropriate nonsurgical therapies. These treatments typically include:
- Splint, brace, or cast
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Steroid injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Physical therapy
Early physical therapy reduces inflammation and pain, promotes healing, and gives you a head start on recovering strength and function. As your injury heals, your provider adds strengthening exercises and sport-specific rehabilitation to your program.
Does sports medicine include surgery?
The Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County has a team of highly skilled orthopedic surgeons specializing in minimally invasive arthroscopy. Some sports injuries need immediate surgery to ensure proper healing; others could need surgical repair if your pain continues despite nonsurgical care.
Call the Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County today or use the online booking feature to schedule a sports medicine appointment.
