Sports Injuries Specialist

What are sports injuries?

Sports injuries involve damage or trauma to the soft tissues when training for or taking part in sporting activities. The most common injuries caused by sports activities are:

• Strains
• Sprains
• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Impact injuries

Although they sound similar, sprains and strains are different kinds of injuries. Sprains involve damage to ligaments, the tough connective tissue that holds bones together. Strains involve damage to muscles or tendons, the connective tissue that holds muscles to bones.

Sprains and strains occur when the muscle, tendon, or ligament stretches too far beyond its range. This can occur as an acute injury, such as when you overreach and the soft tissue stretches or tears, or as a result of a chronic strain to tissues from repeated activity.

Fractures and dislocations may exhibit similar symptoms to sprains and strains, so it’s important to get any injuries checked out and properly diagnosed.

What are the symptoms of a sports injury?

Symptoms vary depending on whether your injury is acute or chronic. Typical symptoms of acute injury are:

• Sudden onset of pain
• Severe pain
• Swelling of the painful area
• Inability to put weight on your leg
• Difficulty using arms or hands
• Reduced range of movement
• Weakness in the affected limb
• Visible displacement of bones or joints
• Discoloration of the skin

Typical symptoms of a chronic injury are:

• Pain when playing sports or exercising
• Dull aching during rest periods
• Swelling
• Skin discoloration

Sports injuries aren’t always avoidable and accidents are bound to happen, especially when you’re engrossed in a competitive activity. However, many injuries are preventable.

You should always warm up properly and stretch your body gently to loosen up your muscles before you get started. Follow a sensible training program to avoid pushing yourself too hard, and make sure you wear the right gear, such as running shoes for running instead of just sneakers.

How are sports injuries treated?

As soon as you sustain an injury, apply the rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) protocol. Once you have an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Feldman may recommend one or a combination of:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Immobilization with a sling, splint, cast, or leg immobilizer
• Physical therapy
• Electrostimulation
• Cold or heat therapy
• Ultrasound
• Massage

Surgery may be necessary when there’s severe damage or fractures.

Get help with your sports injury by calling Active Joints Orthopedics today, or book an appointment online.