Sports Injuries Specialists

What are sports injuries?

Sports injuries occur during exercise or physical activity. While these orthopedic injuries don’t always develop from playing sports, they commonly do. Sports injuries are especially prevalent in individuals who participate in the following activities:

• Hockey
• Football
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Lacrosse
• Running
• Cycling
• Baseball
• Martial arts
• Snow sports (skiing, snowboarding, etc.)
  
  

A sports injury can occur at any time, so it’s important to understand the warning signs.

What are the signs of sports injuries?

Not all sports injuries happen suddenly. Many develop over time, which makes them difficult to notice at first. Common warning signs of sports injuries include:

• Dull, sharp, or throbbing pain
• Decreased range of motion
• Limited mobility
• Bruising
• Muscle spasms
• Joint stiffness or swelling
• Redness and warmth
  
  

Many individuals also experience weakness, numbness, or tingling, which can indicate nerve damage.

What causes sports injuries?

While some sports injuries aren’t preventable, proper conditioning and preparation can help strengthen your muscles and improve stability to protect against serious damage. 

Overuse and lack of conditioning are the most common causes of sports injuries. Overexerting yourself puts pressure on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints that aren’t strong enough to handle the stress.

Poor form also raises your risk of sports injuries. For example, if you’ve recently taken up running, overpronation — rolling your foot inward — can cause heel pain or shin splints.

What are the most common sports injuries?

Common sports injuries that Sports Medicine Oregon’s orthopedic surgeons treat include:

Concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that results from an indirect or mild blow to the head or neck.

Bone and stress fractures

Bone fractures occur when the bone cracks. Fractures either develop suddenly, resulting from a direct blow, or gradually from repeated stress.

Dislocation

A dislocation occurs when a joint becomes forced out of its natural position, inhibiting movement and range of motion.

Foot, ankle, and knee injuries

The feet, ankles, and knees work together to keep your body moving in proper form. One injury raises your risk of developing another, so it’s important to seek treatment for pain or tension. Runner’s knee, meniscus tears, and ACL injuries are common reasons for sports medicine treatment.

Elbow and shoulder injuries

The shoulders, arms, and elbows work in conjunction to maintain your upper body strength and function. Golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff tears are highly common in athletes.

What are the treatments for sports injuries?

Sports injuries require personalized care. Once your orthopedic surgeon performs a full physical exam, which includes diagnostic imaging tests, your provider can create an individualized treatment plan. The goal is to return full function to your injured joints, muscles, and soft tissues while alleviating any symptoms you may experience.

In most cases, the orthopedic surgeons at Sports Medicine Oregon recommend physical therapy to condition and strengthen your body. They may also suggest regenerative injections to minimize pain and swelling. These treatments may help repair damage at the source. If necessary, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery or a total joint replacement.

To schedule an appointment with Sports Medicine Oregon, call the office or book online today.