Sports Medicine; What to Know

Physical activities help keep us fit and healthy. By participating in our favorite sports activities, we also have fun and enjoy things we love. Unfortunately, we are prone to having injuries that may interfere with our daily living with these activities. Thankfully, Houston sports medicine specialists have skills and specialization in treating sports injuries, including knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries. Keep reading as we look more into what sports medicine entails.

What is sports medicine?

It involves the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of sports injuries. Sports injuries result from physical activities, including workout exercises, sports activities, and jogging, among others.

Unlike you may think that sports medicine is for professional athletes, anyone with a musculoskeletal injury may benefit from sports medicine. It provides effective treatments to help prevent complications and enhance healing. Sports medicine allows you to resume your physical activity routine as soon as possible.

 A sports medicine specialist works with physical therapists, dietitians, and athletic trainers to enhance your physical activity. A nutritionist offers advice on what diets to promote your health and body function.

A physical therapist offers rehabilitation to help you recover from your injuries. In comparison, your athletic trainer assists you in rebuilding your strength and preventing future injuries.

What are the common sports injuries?

Physical activities, including sports activities, are likely to cause injuries. Usually, the injuries result from tearing tissues, overuse or repetitive use of joints, or abrupt movements. The following are among the most common sports injuries:

  •         Tennis elbow
  •         Ankle sprains
  •         Rotator cuff tears
  •         Fractures
  •         Tendonitis
  •         Patellar dislocation
  •         Hamstring strains

Diagnosis of sports injuries?

During your appointment for sports injuries, your provider conducts a thorough physical exam on the injured part. They focus on determining the degree of pain, where the pain is coming from, and the effect of your injury on your range of motion.

The diagnosis may also include imaging tests, such as MRIs or X-rays, for accurate information about your injury and its impact.

Treatments for sports injuries

Usually, your provider recommends using conservative treatments before moving to surgical procedures.

They may offer the following treatments to relieve your symptoms.

  •         Over-the-counter medications
  •         Rest
  •         Applying ice to the injured area
  •         Wearing a brace for support and stability
  •         Physical therapy
  •         Avoiding activities that increase pain, among other symptoms

What are the surgical treatment options for sports injuries?

  1. Michael Bennet, MD, offers minimally invasive surgical treatments to help restore your physical function. The noninvasive procedures have fewer risks, which involve making small incisions, having a quicker recovery, and more effective results.

For severe sports injury cases, your provider may offer open surgery to enhance relief. The surgery involves making large incisions and may take a longer recovery time than minimally invasive surgery.

Do not let a sports injury keep you away from your favorite sport. Sports medicine is the answer to all your damages resulting from physical activities. Other than providing treatments, sports medicine helps prevent future injuries. Call J. Michael Bennet, MD, PA, today to schedule your consultation.