Despite its name, sports medicine is not just for pro athletes and weekend warriors. Traumatic injuries could occur everywhere, not just on a sports field. At Southern Oregon Orthopedics & Paragon Orthopedic Center, the sports medicine specialists focus on chronic and acute injuries to the major joints, including the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, and ankle, as well as associated soft tissue. Whereas the different clinicians come from various medical backgrounds, they all have one aim: to help sidelined patients get back into the game. So, when should you consider sports medicine? Read on to discover 5 of the most common reasons patients see a sports medicine Medford specialist.
- You Have Sustained An Acute Sporting Injury
Acute sports injuries occur unexpectedly when participating in a sport or working out, the most common being strains and sprains. More significant acute injuries include knee and muscle injuries, dislocated joints, broken bones, and trauma to your Achilles tendon. The Achilles is the tendon that runs behind your ankle and connects the rear of your calf muscle to your heel bone.
Common signs and symptoms of an acute sports injury include:
- Sudden discomfort
- Weakness
- Loss of mobility
- Inflammation
- A joint or bone that appears to be in an awkward position
- You Suffer A Chronic Sports Injury
Chronic sports injuries are those injuries that occur with time. More often than not, they result from overusing or overworking a certain muscle or bone. A typical case of a chronic injury is a rotator cuff, also commonly referred to as shoulder injury. Other common examples include tendinitis (inflamed tendon) and stress fractures (fractures in the bone). Typical symptoms of these injuries include:
- Inflammation that worsens with reduced physical activity
- Discomfort while exercising or playing
- Aching or pain that persists even when at rest
- You Are Coming Back From A Sporting Injury
If you have previously suffered a sports injury or undergone surgery, a sports medicine specialist could help you recuperate and get back to your normal activities. The recovery process should begin as soon as feasible to prevent muscle stiffness and weakness.
Unfortunately, resuming your sport or exercising not long after recovery could cause another injury. A sports medicine specialist will not only create a recovery plan for you but also help with:
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers
- Stabilize the region with splints or supports
- Therapy to boost healing, including heat and cold therapy, sound wave stimulation, massage therapy, or electric stimulation
- Mobility exercises to assist with fully extending and flexing the afflicted joint
- You Require Orthopedic Surgery
If you have a dislocated joint or a broken bone due to a sports injury, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon. Therapy might include surgery to correct or repair:
- Tendon tear
- Injury to the rotator cuff
- Ligament tear (tissue that links a bone to another bone)
- You Want To Avoid Sustaining A Sports Injury
Avoiding a sports injury is a solid reason to see a sports medicine specialist. Consider visiting Southern Oregon Orthopedics & Paragon Orthopedic Center if you are beginning a new sport, workout, or physical activity. Your visit may entail the following:
- A physical examination to ensure that the activity or sport you are participating in is safe for you
- Advice on training and equipment that is both safe and effective
- A workout or conditioning regimen that will prepare you for the activity
- A program of warm-up, cooldown, and stretching regimens
- Advice about nutrition and healthy living
Regardless of how mild an injury or certain discomfort might seem; it is best not to dismiss it. Visiting a sports medicine specialist at Southern Oregon Orthopedics & Paragon Orthopedic Center will ensure that your body continues performing at its best. Whether you are struggling with arthritis, back pain, foot or ankle condition, or another orthopedic condition, you can access specialist care at the clinic. Call the office near you or use the online booking tool to make an appointment right away.