Sports injuries refer to injuries you sustain during a physical activity, whether sports, exercise, gym or a physically demanding job. Sports injuries are quite common and can result from numerous reasons, such as being hit by another player, using defective equipment, not being adequately trained, and not stretching before strenuous activity.
Sports injuries can be minor and severe. Let’s talk about 5 common sports injuries, how you can fix them, and where you can go for sports injury treatment in Naples, FL.
Sprains
A sprain is when there is overstretching or tearing of ligaments – a fibrous band of connective tissues that connect bones and stabilize the joint. A minor sprain is when a ligament is overstretched, while in a serious sprain, the ligament is completely ruptured. Sprains are common in your ankles, knee, thumb, shoulder, and wrists.
Minor sprains get better with RICE therapy, i.e., rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, if RICE therapy fails, you may take over-the-counter available pain medication and go for physical therapy. In case of a serious sprain (torn ligament), surgery is recommended.
Strains
Also known as a pulled muscle, strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon – a fibrous band of tissues that connect muscles to the bones. Minor injuries only overstretch the tendon or the muscle;however, more severe injuries may cause partial or complete tears in the muscle or tendon.
You can use RICE therapy, oral medications, and physical therapy to fix muscle pull. In some cases, orthopedic doctors advise immobilizing the muscle with a brace or splint.
Surgery is the last resort of treatment and is only recommended when there is a need to repair a torn tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis
This is the inflammation of a large tendon present in the back of your heel due to repeated or intense stress to the heel and Achilles tendon.
Usually, tendinitis responds well to self-care measures;however, if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend other treatments like medications and physical therapy.
Surgery is advised to repair your Achilles tendon when the tendon is torn or several months of conservative treatments fail to provide relief.
Dislocation
Dislocation is a common sports injury in which the bones of your joints are knocked partially or entirely out of place. The most common dislocation sites are the finger, shoulder, knee, elbow, hip, and jaw.
Methods to fix dislocation depend on the joint that is dislocated and the severity of dislocation. You can keep your joints elevated and apply ice. Your orthopedic doctor may manipulate to return the bones to their proper place and advise pain-relieving medications and physical therapy for pain relief. Surgery is recommended when the dislocated bone damages blood vessels and nerves and tears muscles or ligaments.
Concussion
This traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden blow to the head or a hit to your body causes your head to shake rapidly. Nausea, vomiting, and headache are common signs of concussion.
Rest, both physical and mental, along with medications, is often used to fix concussions.
Sports Medicine in Naples, FL
If you have sustained a sports injury or want to avoid it,look no further than the Joint Replacement Institute.Our board-certified and fellowship-trained sports medicine doctor and orthopedic surgeon offer comprehensive care for comprehensive musculoskeletal issues and sports injuries.
To make an appointment, call us today at (239) 261-2663 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form to request a private consultation.
