When we play any kind of sport, there is always the risk of injury – either an injury that slowly develops over time due to overuse of a joint, muscle, or bone, or an acute injury that happens suddenly.
Regardless of the type of injury, a sports doctor is prepared to address it right away. These physicians are essentially super-orthopedists because they usually treat musculoskeletal problems but they can also address traumatic brain injury (TBI) when an athlete suffers a concussion.
Let’s talk about a few of the injuries that are most frequently seen and treated by sports doctors, and where you can go in Dallas for top-notch sports medicine treatment so you can stay in the game.
Sports Injuries Most Frequently Treated by Sports Doctors
A sports doctor sees the following sports injuries most often:
Sprains
A sprain is the overstretching or tearing of a ligament, which is the fibrous tissue connecting the bones in a joint. Sprains commonly occur in the ankle, but they can also happen to your wrist, knee, elbow, or thumb.
You may sustain the injury from running or jumping awkwardly or on an uneven surface, or falling on an outstretched hand. You may also get a sprain from twisting a joint too quickly.
The usual symptoms accompanying sprains include joint pain(especially when you try to put weight or pressure on the joint), swelling, and bruising. You will also experience difficulty moving the joint.
Sprains are often categorized into three levels depending on their severity:
- Grade 1 (mild sprain) –The ligament is overstretched but is not torn
- Grade 2 (moderate sprain) –The ligament is overstretched and is partially torn
- Grade 3 (severe sprain) –The ligament is completely torn
Your sports doctor may recommend immobilizing your injury with a brace to promote recovery and to prevent it from worsening. They may also prescribe a pain reliever if your pain is severe.
Physical therapy can help you manage stiffness and regain your normal movements. As for severe sprains, your sports doctor may recommend surgery, which would likely be outpatient.
Strains
Strains involve the overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. A tendon is a fibrous tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. A “pulled muscle” is a strained muscle.
This injury most commonly affects the hamstrings or the muscles at the back of your upper legs. It may also occur in your neck, shoulders, and lower back. It tends to happen due to a lack of proper warm-up, inflexible muscles, or exerting too much effort at once.
Strains are characterized by sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving. Resting the area and applying ice are the best home remedies to help a strain heal and feel less sore. When the swelling subsides after a few days, you may replace ice therapy with heat therapy as directed by your sports doctor.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries are conditions you sustain from repetitive movements or applying constant pressure onto a specific body part. Some examples include Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints:
Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue connecting your lower leg muscles to your heel bone. It causes pain that starts as a mild ache, stiffness, tenderness, and difficulty moving the lower leg and foot. The injury usually happens when you suddenly increase the intensity of your workout.
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot connecting your heel to your toes. Its main symptom is heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissue develops tiny tears from repeated pressure. Some causes include inadequate shoe support, exercising on hard surfaces, and frequent running or jumping.
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, occur when you frequently put pounding pressure on your legs – affecting the tibia bone and supportive tissues, as the medical name implies. It often happens to dancers, runners, and members of the military. It’s commonly characterized by lower leg pain, which can be sharp or dull and may worsen when moving.
Sports Doctors in Dallas, TX
Sports are a great avenue to have fun and maintain your health at the same time. However, due to the fast-paced or high-intensity nature of most sports, you become susceptible to injury. Your sports doctor can treat your injuries, and help you prevent them in the first place.
If you’re looking for experienced sports doctors in Dallas, Texas, look no further than Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine. We have a team of highly trained and skilled medical providers who are also athletes like you, and we can give you the comprehensive care you deserve – from diagnosis to recovery.
If you would like to know more about us or our services or schedule an appointment, call our friendly staff today at (972) 503-7272 or fill out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to serving you!
