What is Sports Medicine?
Sports medicine encompasses both preventative strategies and therapeutic interventions. It involves the implementation of stretching and exercise routines designed to proactively reduce the likelihood of injuries. Furthermore, in cases of injury, sports medicine offers a variety of treatments to expedite the healing process. Sports-related injuries can happen during indoor or outdoor sports activities, as well as during exercise sessions. These injuries may stem from accidents, inadequate training, improper utilization of protective gear, or insufficient warm-up and stretching exercises. The most frequently encountered sports injuries encompass sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations.
Can Sports Injuries Be Treated at Home?
The most common sports injury treatment recommendation immediately following injury is rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
- Rest: Avoid activities that may cause injury.
- Ice: Ice packs can be applied to the injured area, which will help reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel on the affected area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, for several days. Never place ice directly over the skin.
- Compression: Compression of the injured area also helps reduce swelling. Elastic wraps, air casts and splints can accomplish this.
- Elevation: Elevate the injured part above your heart level to reduce swelling and pain.
When Should I See a Sports Medicine Doctor?
If you’ve encountered a sports-related injury, it can be categorized as either acute or chronic.
Acute injuries manifest suddenly, usually as a result of a sudden movement or activity, like a sprained ankle. If your situation doesn’t improve or worsens after a day or two of self-care, it’s advisable to seek medical assistance. Common indicators of an acute injury comprise sudden and intense pain, swelling, an inability to bear weight, significant tenderness or weakness, and the presence of a visibly fractured or dislocated bone.
- Sudden or severe pain
- Swelling
- Inability to bear weight
- Extreme tenderness or weakness
- Visibly broken or dislocated bone.
If you suspect a fracture, it’s highly advisable to promptly get in touch with a medical professional.
In contrast, chronic injuries often result from the prolonged overuse of a specific part of the body. Repeated movements associated with sports or exercise over an extended period can lead to the deterioration of tissues, tendons, and cartilage. Indicators of chronic injuries encompass discomfort during physical activity or sports, a persistent ache during rest, and swelling in the affected area. Ideally, consulting a specialist before the onset of a chronic injury is recommended. However, if you’ve been delaying seeking medical attention in the hopes that your injury would resolve on its own, it’s advisable to reach out to a doctor at one of our local offices as soon as possible.
Which Sports Medicine Services are Available?
Opdahl Regenerative Medicine specializes in addressing your injury through regenerative therapies, facilitating your return to physical activity through rehabilitation, and enhancing your athletic performance. Their comprehensive range of services is complemented by a team of professionals who are prepared to engage in individualized consultations with you to create a personalized treatment and training regimen.
Their approach commences with the identification of the root cause of your discomfort. You won’t simply receive treatment for symptoms and be sent on your way. Once they pinpoint the origin of your injury, they collaborate with you to formulate a treatment plan aimed at alleviating your pain, fostering healing, and facilitating recovery without the necessity for surgery.
These are some of the services available at Opdahl Regenerative Medicine:
- Regenerative orthopedic medicine (PRP, regenerative cellular therapy, prolotherapy)
- Diagnostic ultrasound
- Ultrasound-guided injections
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Individualized performance enhancement strategies
- Sports-specific training programs
What Can I Do to Prevent a Sports Injury?
- Follow an exercise program to strengthen the muscles.
- Gradually increase your exercise level and avoid overdoing the exercise.
- Ensure that you wear properly fitted protective gear such as elbow guards, eye gear, facemasks, mouth guards and pads, comfortable clothes, and athletic shoes before playing any sports activity, which will help reduce the chances of injury.
- Make sure that you follow warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after the sports activity. Exercises will help stretch muscles, increase flexibility, and reduce soft tissue injuries.
- Avoid exercising immediately after eating a large meal.
- Maintain a healthy diet, which will nourish the muscles.
- Avoid playing when you are injured or tired. Take a break for some time after playing.
- Learn all the rules of the game you are participating in.
- Ensure that you are physically fit to play the sport.
What are Some Common Sports Injuries?
Although the experienced sports medicine physicians at Opdahl Regenerative Medicine take care of sports injuries in every part of your body, these are some of the problems they frequently treat:
- Knee ligament tears
- Meniscal tears
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Shoulder impingement
- Tendonitis and bursitis
- Tennis, golfer’s, and pitcher’s elbow
- Shin splints
If you’ve been nursing a sports injury at home, you can count on Opdahl Regenerative Medicine for expert care by a team that emphasizes personalized care in sports medicine. Call today or book a consultation online by submitting a request.
Foot and Ankle Injuries
Injuries to the foot and ankle encompass harm to the lower limb area beneath the knee, and they frequently occur among athletes engaged in activities like football, hockey, and skating. Typical sports-related foot and ankle injuries comprise sprains, strains, fractures in the ankle, and inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Managing these conditions may involve the use of orthotic devices, braces, physical therapy, injections, or surgical procedures.
Shoulder Injuries
Intense discomfort in your shoulders during participation in your preferred sports activities like tennis, basketball, and gymnastics could be attributed to a torn ligament or shoulder bone dislocation. Such issues might arise from the excessive strain placed on your shoulder during athletic engagement. Mild pain or sudden injuries can often be managed with conservative treatments, whereas ongoing or persistent injuries may necessitate alternative forms of treatment.
Hip injuries
Fractures involving the femur bone, labral tears, and hip dislocations stand out as prevalent sports-related injuries that impact the hip. The hip joint, being burdened with greater weight, is particularly vulnerable to injuries during athletic activities. It’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention when confronted with hip injuries to prevent potential complications. Following medical treatment, rehabilitation plans and physical therapy are commonly advised, involving specific exercises aimed at enhancing muscle strength and enhancing mobility.
Knee Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a vital stabilizing ligament in the knee that can tear due to excessive strain during sports activities. ACL injuries often lead to instability and have limited natural healing capability. Additional frequently encountered knee injuries in sports include cartilage damage and meniscal tears. Knee injuries sustained during sports may necessitate medical treatment, which can often be carried out using minimally invasive or non-surgical methods. Your healthcare provider may advise physical therapy to enhance muscle strength and enhance the flexibility and mobility of your bones and joints.