Living a healthy lifestyle means that you stay active through exercise or by playing a sport. But regardless of how hard you try, accidents and injuries are inevitable. Even professional athletes cannot avoid them.
To the rescue are sports medicine physicians. These are healthcare providers who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, treating, and managing these inevitable injuries. The services they provide include exercise recommendations and nutritional guidance for maximizing performance while minimizing injuries.
Visiting a sports medicine physician is a significant step in jumpstarting your active lifestyle. Let’s talk about how a sports medicine physician can help you.
Reasons to See a Sports Medicine Physician
Below are some of the main reasons why you would want to visit a sports doctor:
1. If You Have an Acute Injury
Acute injuries are those that occur suddenly in the middle of physical activity. Examples of this type include sprains and sudden strains, but more severe injuries include broken bones and dislocated joints. These injuries can happen when you fall or clash against another player.
You might observe the following symptoms if you have an acute injury:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Inability to move a joint or limb
2. If You Have a Chronic Injury
In contrast to acute injuries, chronic injuries develop over time. This type of injury usually occurs due to overuse and overtraining.
Common examples of chronic injury include shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, and stress fracture. They can cause complications and chronic pain if not promptly addressed by a sports doctor.
You might notice one or more of the following symptoms if you have a chronic injury:
- Pain during exercise
- Chronic, lasting pain
- Swelling
A sports medicine physician will give you recommendations about ways in which you can continue to play while avoiding any further injury.
3. For Recovery and Rehabilitation
If you are recuperating from a previous sports-related injury, a sports medicine physician can help you get back in shape and back in the game as quickly as possible. They can recommend various methods of support, such as using assistive devices, physical therapy, and pain management.
4. For Injury Prevention
You don’t need to have a pre-existing injury to visit a sports medicine physician. On the contrary, one of the most fundamental reasons to consult with a specialist is to prevent possible injuries in your sport or activity of choice.
You may also seek their medical advice before you start a new sport. This doctor can help you improve your performance and avoid injury at the same time, especially by recommending specific strengthening and conditioning exercises.
Sports Doctors in Naples
Visiting a sports medicine physician while you are about to engage in a sport – and immediately after you suffer any type of injury – may prevent you from developing lifelong consequences and chronic pain. If you are embarking on a new sport or exercise, or if you’d like to develop a partnership with a medical provider who specializes in sports medicine, visit us at the Joint Replacement Institute.
To schedule an appointment with one of our experienced orthopedists, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (239) 261-2663 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you enjoy your active lifestyle.
