A sports doctor is a medical professional who specializes in the treatment of sports-related injuries. These injuries can range from mild to severe and can occur in any part of the body. Sports doctors are highly trained in treating both acute and chronic injuries. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common injuries that a sports doctor helps to treat. Read on.
It is a common misconception that sports doctors only treat athletes, but in fact, they can assist anyone who suffers from a sports injury. These medical professionals can help you recover from an injury and even teach you how to prevent future damage. If the pain is reoccurring or unbearable, it may be time for you to visit your local sports doctor. The most common injuries treated by these experts include:
Strains and sprains are the most common injuries that sports doctors treat. Sprains happen when a ligament is suddenly stretched beyond its normal range of motion, often as the result of falling or twisting awkwardly. Strains can occur in two different ways if a muscle tears due to strain or if tendons that connect muscles to bones tear. These types of injuries usually respond well to rest and physical therapy, although some cases require surgery depending on the severity and location of the injury.
Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon. It is typically caused by overuse or repetitive motions. The most common symptom is pain, which may be accompanied by swelling, warmth, or redness in the area around the tendon. Treatment for tendonitis includes rest, ice packs, compression bandages, and elevation of the affected area. Physical therapy may also be recommended.
The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in your body. It connects calf muscles to your heel bone, helping you walk or run. Achilles tendinitis occurs when this band becomes inflamed due to overuse, it can be very painful and may limit mobility if left untreated. Some common symptoms include stiffness, weakness, and swelling near the back of the ankle joint where it attaches at the top of your foot. You might also notice redness around this area as well as tenderness when pressing on it lightly with a fingertip while standing up straight. If any of these signs are present then seek medical attention immediately because they could indicate that something more serious than just inflammation is going on.
A sports doctor can help with Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow. This is an injury to the muscles and tendons that run along the outside of your elbow. It is caused by overuse of these muscles and can cause pain and stiffness in your arm. A sports doctor can give you exercises to stretch and strengthen your muscles, and may also recommend a brace or strap to support your elbow.
A trigger finger, or thumb, is a condition that causes your fingers or thumb to catch on to things as you try to move them. The tendon sheath becomes inflamed and thickened, making it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly. This results in pain, stiffness, and catching of the digit when trying to straighten it out. Treatment typically involves wearing a splint or brace to keep the digit extended and using ice and/or steroid injections to help reduce inflammation.
Plantar Fasciitis is a common injury that sports doctors help treat. It is an inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of your foot. Symptoms include heel pain, especially when you first get up in the morning, and difficulty walking. Treatment can involve wearing special shoes or inserts, using ice or heat therapy, and taking over-the-counter medications.
One of the most common injuries treated by sports doctors is elbow, shoulder, and hip dislocations. Elbow dislocations can happen when a person falls on an outstretched arm or from contact during play such as in football, soccer, and rugby. Shoulder injuries like shoulder separations also occur when falling on an extended hand or from direct impact with another player. A hip injury can cause pain in the hip that may radiate down to the knee. If you have any symptoms related to these types of injuries it is highly recommended that you see a sports doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment options before your condition worsens further.
Fractures are another common injury that sports doctors help with. A fracture is a break in the bone and can occur from any type of impact, such as a fall or being hit by an object. Some symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity around the area of the fracture. Treatment for fractures typically involves using a cast or brace to keep the bone immobilized while it heals. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases.
A sports doctor can help relieve muscle cramps and spasms. The most common cause of a muscle cramp is dehydration, so it’s important to stay hydrated when you’re active. Other causes include electrolyte imbalance, low blood sugar, and nerve problems. A sports doctor can help diagnose the cause of your muscle cramps and provide treatment options. Treatment may include stretching, massage, or medication depending on the underlying cause. If you regularly experience muscle cramps, be sure to talk to your doctor about possible causes and treatments.
Sports doctors are trained to treat a wide range of injuries. From strains and sprains to tendonitis, all the way up to fractures, sports doctors have seen it all. If you’re looking for an expert in this field that can provide treatment for your injury or condition with proven results, call us today.
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions, including back injuries. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top-ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com