The remarkable benefits of regular physical activity for your mobility and overall health are beyond question. To name a few, it can strengthen your bones and muscles, help you manage your weight, lower your risk for a wide variety of medical conditions, and increase your life expectancy.
Nonetheless, physical activity, specifically sports and exercise, can render you susceptible to injuries, many of which can put you on the sidelines and ultimately dash your hopes of achieving your full potential.
Fortunately, sports medicine physicians are there to provide comprehensive medical care, helping physically active people like you quickly get back in the game and lower their risk for injuries.
Outlined below are some common injuries that benefit from the expertise of a sports medicine physician.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
Injuries that fall under this umbrella are those that involve trauma or damage to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues usually due to direct impact (e.g., falling, sustaining a blow, slipping, etc.), overexertion, or overuse.
The following are some of the most common soft-tissue injuries treated by sports medicine physicians:
- Contusions – bruises (black-and-blue spots), which are often accompanied by swelling and pain
- Plantar fasciitis – inflammation of the connective tissue along the bottom of your foot, causing pain that usually gets worse after exercise or a long period of rest
- Sprains- overstretching or tearing of ligaments, causing pain, bruising, swelling, and limited mobility
- Strains- overstretching of a muscle or tendon, causing pain, muscle spasms and tenderness, muscle weakness, and swelling
- Tendinitis- inflammation of a tendon, causing pain and tenderness around a joint
Soft-tissue injuries are common among runners, swimmers, golfers, tennis players, baseball players, and people who engage in moderate to vigorous exercises.
Fractures
A fracture, commonly known as a broken bone, occurs when a bone absorbs more force or pressure that it can bear and consequently weakens.
Common symptoms of a fracture include inability bearing weight on the affected area, sudden and/or severe pain, obvious deformity, swelling, warmth, redness, and bruising.
Fractures are common in high-impact and contact sports, such as basketball, rugby, football, skiing, and skateboarding.
Dislocations
A dislocation is a joint injury in which the ends of your bones are knocked out of their normal position.
Common symptoms of dislocations include pain, bruising, swelling, joint instability, and difficulty moving an affected joint.
Dislocations are a common occurrence among people involved in high-speed/high-impact and contact sports.
Because the symptoms of these injuries can overlap those of other types of musculoskeletal injuries or conditions, sports medicine physicians do a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a physical exam and a series of diagnostic and medical imaging tests, to pinpoint the cause. Based on their findings, sports medicine physicians create tailored treatment plans, which usually consist of conservative modalities. Surgery is only recommended when symptoms continue unabated despite an extensive course of conservative treatment.
Sports Medicine Physician in Dallas, TX
At Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine, our highly credentialed sports medicine physicians take a nondrug, nonsurgical, and holistic approach to helping athletes, fitness fanatics, and anyone who lives an active lifestyle successfully bounce back from their injuries and always stay on top of their game.
To arrange a consultation with one of our sports medicine physicians, call us at (972) 503-7272. You may also fill out this request form, and our staff member will get in touch with you as soon as possible to confirm your appointment.
