Sports injuries are part of an athlete’s life. It’s just a fact that with increased physical activity, comes an increase in the risk of injuries. Sports medicine doctors specialize in the treatment of sports injuries. They can make the call on whether a patient’s sports injury can be treated with non-surgical treatments or surgery.
In this article, we will talk about what treatments are available for the most common sports injuries, such as sprains, strains, fractures, ligament tears, and tendonitis.
The RICE Method
- REST – Rest is one of the most important aspects of treating any injury, especially those related to sports. Taking time off from activities allows your body to heal properly and prevent further damage. Depending on the severity of the injury, rest may involve taking a few days off from playing or even weeks or months away from training altogether.
- ICE – Applying ice to an injured area helps reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels in the area. Ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes every two hours for two days following the injury.
- COMPRESSION – Compression wraps help provide support to an injured area, while also restricting excessive movement that can cause further tissue damage. Additionally, it also increases blood flow to the area, which can help in injury healing. Just be careful not to wrap it too tightly, as applying too much pressure on the already damaged tissue may cause further damage.
- ELEVATION – Elevating an injured limb above heart level helps reduce swelling because gravity pulls fluid away from the affected area. Decreased swelling also helps lessen pain associated with a sports injury.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an important part of the treatment process for many common sports injuries. It can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and increase strength in the affected area. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to treat these injuries, including stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, massage therapy, and other modalities, such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation. Physical therapy exercises are designed specifically for each patient and may differ depending on their specific needs.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat common sports injuries. It involves inserting a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, into the joint through small incisions in the skin. The camera allows surgeons to view the injury and perform repairs or remove damaged tissue without making large cuts in the skin. This type of surgery is often recommended for treating common sports injuries such as rotator cuff tears, meniscus tears, labral tears, ACL/PCL tears (knee ligament damage), shoulder impingement syndrome, and cartilage damage due to wear and tear over time. Arthroscopic surgery is typically recommended if the problem has not responded to non-surgical treatments.
Sports Injury Treatment in Baltimore, MD
The board-certified and fellowship-trained sports medicine doctors at Orthopaedic Associates in Central Maryland can take care of all your orthopedic needs. We can treat the full range of sports injuries, from common to complex, with our extensive training in orthopedics. For rehabilitation, we also offer on-site physical therapy services. We want you to have a one-stop experience when you come to us for your care.
Orthopaedic Associates in Central Maryland also offers after-hours care in our Catonsville and Columbia locations. For any questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, use our online appointment form or call our office today at (410) 644-1880. We look forward to serving you.
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