Athletic injuries tend to be a little different than injuries that can occur in everyday life. Athletes place high demands on the physical performance of their bodies. As a result, any injuries that can occur may be a bit more extreme.
Athletes require special treatment if they want to recover fast and well to get back to training and competition. That’s why some health care providers are trained in sports medicine.
When should an athlete see a sports medicine specialist?
You may need to see a sports medicine specialist if you’re an athlete who has:
- Hurt your knee — Knee injuries are common among athletes. Participating in sports demands a lot out of the ligaments, muscles, and tendons in the knee. Accidentally bending or twisting the knee in the wrong direction can harm the soft tissue.
There are several knee injuries that can keep an athlete out of the competition. One of the most common is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. - Hurt your ankle — An athlete’s ankles need to be strong and flexible to support the body’s movements during physical activity. If one of the ligaments or muscles in the ankles is hurt, you will hardly be able to walk and, much less, compete.
A sprained ankle is one of the most common ankle injuries. This is when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn as a result of rolling or twisting the ankle. - Pulled or torn a muscle — The muscles in your body are responsible for pulling and pushing the bones and joints for movement. Physical activity places extreme demands on the muscles that can sometimes result in a pulled or torn muscle.
Athletes commonly experience pulls and tears in their calves, thighs, and groins. - Broken a bone — Athletes are at risk for falls and the blunt impact that can result in a broken bone. Fractures vary in severity from minor hairline fractures to total fractures or shattering of the bones.
Visit iRISE Spine and Joint to see a sports medicine specialist
Our orthopedic surgeons at iRISE Spine and Joint are highly trained and experienced in helping athletes recover from injuries. Whether you need surgery or more conservative treatment, our team has you covered. Contact us today to talk to one of our patient care coordinators about sports medicine or to schedule an initial appointment.
