Whether you are a professional athlete or take part in recreational sports, injuries can happen. Thankfully, not all are serious or require surgery. In this blog, we will look at some common sports injuries and the non-surgical treatments your sports medicine doctor may recommend.
Sprain
Sprains affect the ligaments which connect bones and cartilage with bones. When overstretched through repetitive motions, impact, or sudden movements, such as rolling an ankle while running, these ligaments can become:
- Painful
- Red
- Swollen
Additionally, movement is limited with a sprain. For instance, a runner or tennis player with a sprained ankle may be unable to bear weight on the affected limb.
Strain
A strain is an inflammatory condition commonly seen in golfers, tennis players, and other athletes. It affects muscles and tendons, the cords which join bones and muscles together.
Athletes who experience strains will have inflammatory swelling and experience a fair amount of pain. They cannot perform their usual motions in the affected limb.
Examples of strains include:
- Patellar tendonitis, or jumper’s knee, as seen in basketball players
- Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow
- Lumbar strain in the lower back which happens to football players and others who push hard or lift heavy weights
Dislocation
A dislocation happens to a body joint, such as the shoulder, finger, jaw, or elbow. For instance, the humerus bone in the shoulder can be popped out of its normal position due to sudden impact or repeated dislocation injuries. The condition is considered an emergency and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a dislocation include:
- Intense pain
- Swelling
- Inability to move the injured area
- Joint deformity
A dislocation happens with sudden impact or extreme twisting forces on the joint, such as in football, hockey, or rugby.
Fracture
Fractures are bone breaks. They may be simple cracks in the hard, calcified structure of the bone, or they may be compound. With compound fractures, the bone ends separate and may even pierce through the skin.
Stress fractures are also a common sports-related injury. They come from repetitive motions, such as those involved in running. As such, the feet and ankles are prone to stress fractures in people who run or do activities with repeated bouncing, stopping, or starting.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Common Sports Injuries
The treatment process for any sport-related injury begins with the acronym RICE—rest, ice, compression, and elevation. The goals of RICE are to reduce pain and swelling while promoting good circulation and healing.
In addition to RICE, there are other non-surgical treatments that can alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.
Physical therapy
This is a common treatment for sports injuries. It involves exercises and stretches designed to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected area. Physical therapists may use techniques, such as massage or ultrasound therapy, to help with pain relief and healing.
For instance, physical therapy is essential for someone who has experienced a severe dislocation. After the joint is put back into its correct position, the shoulder is immobilized with a sling, and therapy helps the person regain motion and strength.
Bracing and Taping
Another effective non-surgical treatment is bracing or taping. These can provide support and stability to injured joints or muscles, allowing them to heal properly. Bracing may be used as a preventive measure for athletes who are prone to certain injuries.
Injections
Corticosteroid and regenerative medicine injections can help reduce swelling and promote faster healing. At Joint Replacement Institute, we offer innovative platelet-rich plasma therapy, or PRP therapy, as a natural, non-invasive way to regain joint function and reduce pain.
The PRP injections are composed of your own blood platelets. They are harvested, concentrated, and then injected into the area of injury. As the injections include growth factors, they help you avoid more invasive treatments or complex surgical interventions.
Sports Medicine Near Me in Naples, FL
At Joint Replacement Institute, our sports medicine specialists offer a wide range of assessment and treatment options for people experiencing sport-related injuries. We are the experts in individualized treatment plans and helping athletes and other active people learn how to train safely and effectively.
You, too, can get the care you need and learn how to continue enjoying the sports you love. Contact our Naples, FL, sports medicine office today for a consultation with one of our board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians. Call us at (239) 261-2663 or request a visit by completing our online form here.
