If you’re an athlete who has been injured, it’s a good idea to visit a sports medicine specialist.
Sports medicine specialists are licensed medical professionals who focus on treating injuries and conditions that affect athletes. The goal of sports medicine treatments is to help athletes recover quickly and safely so they can get back to competition. There are many injuries a sports medicine specialist can treat.
Take a look at some of the common injuries that may make it necessary to visit a sports medicine specialist for treatment.
Common athletic injuries treated by a sports medicine
- Sprained ankle — The ligaments in the ankle support the structure of the joint and help it move. If the ankle rolls or is twisted, the ligaments can stretch or tear. This is known as a sprain. Ankle sprains are painful and limit your range of motion, so it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible if you want to get back in the game.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear — The ACL is a ligament in the knee that helps keep the knee stable and prevents twisting. If the knee is bent in the wrong direction or twisted too far, the ACL can tear. This reduces stability in the knee and can make it difficult to quickly change directions and perform other functions with your knee.
- Pulled hamstring or groin — Most sports involve a lot of running, which puts a strain on the muscles in your legs. If you haven’t trained enough or aren’t getting enough rest and water, you can stretch or tear these muscles.
It’s common for athletes to pull or tear the hamstring and groin muscles. When this happens, it’s painful to run and participate in physical activity. - Tendinitis — The overuse of a joint can cause the tendons to rub against the bones and become inflamed. This is known as tendinitis. One form is commonly known as tennis elbow because tennis players put a heavy strain on the elbows when swinging a tennis racket.
The inflammation caused by tendinitis is painful and limits the range of motion in your elbow. - Fracture — A direct impact or collision can cause the bones to break. All athletes are vulnerable to fractures, but they’re especially common in full-contact sports like football.
Visit iRISE Spine and Joint for sports medicine treatment
Our orthopedic specialists at iRISE Spine and Joint are skilled in sports medicine treatments for athletes of all levels. If you’re an athlete who has been hurt or needs help preventing injuries, our team can develop a treatment for you. Contact us today to talk to one of our patient care coordinators about sports medicine or to schedule an initial appointment.
