When we play sports, our aim is to have a good experience. But sometimes, we can end up getting hurt. There are several common athletic injuries that an orthopedic doctor sees time and again. These injuries result from overuse, direct impact, or force higher than your body can withstand. An acute sports injury occurs suddenly. For example, a sprained ankle caused by an uneven landing.
Chronic injuries result from repeated exertion or overuse of muscle groups or joints. Poor technique and structural irregularities can also cause chronic injuries. It is important that you see a medical professional when encountering these kinds of injuries.
Advanced Pain Care is a prominent pain care center in Texas with board-certified orthopedists. The center’s orthopedic doctors in Round Rock provide patients with the highest quality of care through comprehensive orthopedic services. Sports medicine professionals provide advice on managing and preventing future injuries so you can indulge in your favorite sport without getting hurt.
Knee injuries are often just a sprain. They result from twisting injuries. In some sports, quick pivoting or twisting and getting stuck on a knee’s side can cause more serious injuries to the meniscus or knee ligaments. Sudden twisting and bending injuries can also damage the ACL. Sports such as basketball, soccer, and football tend to cause the most injuries to the knee. These sports require much running, pivoting, and contacting other players.
The meniscus functions to absorb the shock between the tibia and the femur. Small meniscus tears can often resolve without surgery. However, if they occur in older patients or there is poor blood supply to this area, it can cause persistent pain and swelling. It leads to the production of excessive fluid, which results in joint swelling. Physical therapy is the first line of treatment. However, if there is no reduction in pain and swelling, surgery is often recommended. An orthopedic surgeon removes the torn meniscus. Sometimes, a knee brace can also heal meniscus tears, but they reduce the range of motion.
Shoulder – Labral Tears
The shoulder is another body part that gets injured very often during sports. Inside the shoulder is the labrum, which is a ring of cartilage. It covers the shoulder’s ball and socket joint. Labrum cushions the rim of the shoulder socket. Labral tears arise from lifting, twisting, overhead throwing, or falling on an outstretched arm.
Labral tears are of two types: A SLAP tear and a Bankart tear. A SLAP tear is a tear on the top of the socket. It is the area where the biceps tendon attaches. These tears cause pain but do not lead to shoulder dislocations. Moreover, they heal by themselves with adequate rest and physical therapy. There is usually no need for surgical intervention. In case of a serious SLAP tear, the biceps tendon pulls on the labrum. It can detach from the glenoid. To heal these tears, surgery is usually needed.
A Bankart tear is the other type of tear affecting the shoulder. It can cause shoulder instability and dislocation because the tear is on the anterior side of the shoulder. The ball can be forced out and out and over the socket’s rim. To treat these tears, surgical intervention is needed. This is especially the case for those who engage in contact sports. Without repairing it, there is a high chance of dislocating the shoulder again. Fortunately, the surgery outcomes are very good. With proper rest post-surgery, athletes can return to all the activities they enjoy.
Shoulder – Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff tears are also common, occurring in those above 40 years of age. This tear occurs because of wear and tear over time. To manage it effectively, timely diagnosis is critical. An MRI scan confirms if the injury is indeed a rotator cuff tear and not anything other than that, like tendonitis. Contact sports, heavy lifting, and repetitive motion can all lead to rotator cuff tears. Those with impingement syndrome are more vulnerable to rotator cuff tears.
Four tendons together comprise the rotator cuff. Of them all, the supraspinatus tendon is the most highly prone to a tear. A partial tear can be healed with a combination of injections, anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy. But a complete tear continues to get bigger. It hinders patients from performing any activity as they experience pain with movement. Complete tears need surgical intervention. However, it is also seen that physical therapy has helped patients better and can live with the injury without experiencing pain.
If you experience orthopedic injuries, it is crucial to get a proper diagnosis from an orthopedic clinic and begin treatment. It prevents the injury from worsening, and you will experience a lot less pain. Advanced Pain Care has teams of Orthopedic Doctors in Waco specializing in non-surgical, minimally invasive, and surgical interventions to treat common sports injuries. They determine the root cause of the injury and develop a plan that helps you ease pain. Visit Advanced Pain Care today to learn more about their orthopedic services.