Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine Conditions We Treat

• Overuse injuries (tendonitis, joint strain)
• Stress fractures
• ACL and other ligament injuries
• Shoulder and hip dislocations
• Acute sports-related injuries

Sports injuries can occur in athletes of all levels, from recreational participants to highly competitive individuals. These injuries are typically categorized as either overuse injuries or acute injuries, each requiring a different approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Early evaluation and proper care are important to support recovery, prevent further injury, and help patients safely return to activity.

Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries develop gradually when the body is exposed to more stress than it is prepared to handle. This often occurs when activity levels increase too quickly, such as starting a new exercise program or significantly increasing training intensity.

Common examples include pain in the knee, hip, or ankle due to repetitive motion and strain on the surrounding soft tissue.

Stress Fractures

A stress fracture occurs when the internal structure of the bone weakens due to repeated stress without adequate time to recover. These injuries are most commonly seen in:

• The shinbone
• The hip
• The bones of the foot

Stress fractures are often associated with running but can occur in any sport. Certain populations, including young female athletes, may be at higher risk.

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries occur suddenly, often during a specific movement or impact. These injuries may result from:

• Contact with another athlete
• Contact with the ground
• Non-contact movements such as pivoting or sudden direction changes

A common example is an ACL tear, which can occur when the knee twists during movement. These injuries often result in immediate pain, swelling, and instability.

Joint Dislocations

Joint dislocations occur when a joint is forced out of its normal position. Symptoms may include:

• Visible deformity
• Severe pain
• Inability to move the joint

Shoulder dislocations may sometimes be reduced on the field, while hip dislocations require immediate hospital care. These injuries require orthopedic evaluation to monitor joint stability and cartilage health.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sports injuries vary depending on the type and severity but may include:

• Pain during activity or movement
• Swelling or inflammation
• Weakness or instability
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty bearing weight

Overuse injuries often worsen with activity and improve with rest, while acute injuries typically cause immediate symptoms.

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are evaluated through a physical examination and review of symptoms and activity history.

Imaging such as X-rays may be used to rule out fractures, and additional imaging may be recommended depending on the injury.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment

Many sports injuries can be treated without surgery, including:

• Rest and activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Use of crutches or bracing when needed

Overuse injuries and many stress fractures will heal over time with appropriate management.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be recommended for more severe injuries, such as:

• Ligament tears (e.g., ACL injuries)
• Unstable joints or recurrent dislocations
• Injuries that do not improve with non-surgical treatment

The goal of surgery is to restore stability, function, and long-term joint health.

When to Seek Care

Acute injuries, especially those involving significant pain, swelling, deformity, or inability to bear weight, should be evaluated immediately to rule out fractures or dislocations.

For ongoing or unclear symptoms, early evaluation can help ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Recovery & Return to Activity

Recovery depends on the type and severity of the injury. Treatment plans are designed to help patients:

• Heal safely
• Restore strength and mobility
• Gradually return to sport or activity

A structured rehabilitation plan is often recommended to reduce the risk of reinjury.

Frequently Asked Questions