Sports Injuries & Treatments
The phrase “sports injury” refers to the types of injuries that most often occur during exercise or while playing a sport. However, these injuries are not limited to athletes. These with jobs requiring strenuous activity and/or excessive manual labor may also suffer from these types of injuries, which typically affect bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other body parts.
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Most Common Causes of Sports Injuries
- Rotator Cuff Injuries – A rotator cuff injury can range from a mild inflammation of the tendons (tendinitis) to a complete tear of the tendons (rotator cuff tear). Rotator cuff injuries are common in athletes who participate in throwing sports, such as baseball, and in other overhead motions, such as tennis.
- Dislocations – Dislocation occurs mainly in contact sports. The shoulder is most often dislocated, followed by the elbow, knee, and ankle. A dislocation occurs when the bone that forms the joint is forced out of its normal position.
- Sprains, Strains, Fractures – Injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures can result from bodily falls, twists, or blows as well as repetitive and sudden movements. Symptoms of these injuries can include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and the inability to move the affected area.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a type of sports injury that results from compression of the median nerve in the wrist’s carpal tunnel. This nerve is responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles in the hand and arm, allowing them to move.
- Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow – Golfer’s elbow is caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm, while a tennis elbow is caused by repetitive stress on the elbow joint. Both conditions can affect arm mobility and flexibility.
- Knee and Leg Injuries – Knee injuries can range from a simple sprain or strain to a more severe ligament tear or fracture. Knee and leg injuries are often caused by sudden twisting or turning motions, direct impact, or overextension.
Available Treatments for Sports Injuries Include:
Preventing sports injuries is always the best course of action. However, if you find yourself injured, here are some treatments for sports injuries.
- Exercise and PT – Exercise and physical therapy can be beneficial for treating and preventing sports injuries. Exercise can help to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of further injury. PT typically involves exercises to improve range of motion, strength, balance, and coordination.
- Injections and Infusions – Injections typically involve administering medication directly into the injured area. Conversely, infusions involve the application directly into a vein or muscle. Both types of treatment relieve pain and inflammation over an extended period.
- Immobilization – Immobilization involves using a splint, brace, or cast to keep the injured area from moving. Immobilization can help reduce the risk of further damage to the area and can assist in speeding up the healing process.
- Medication (NSAIDs) – NSAIDs are a type of medication that can help to reduce inflammation and pain, allowing athletes to recover more quickly from injuries.
- Surgery – Surgery is often considered a last resort treatment for sports injuries, but it can be an effective way to return to play if other treatments have not been successful. Surgery can repair damaged tissue, remove scar tissue, or repair torn ligaments or tendons.
Why Lonseth Interventional Pain Centers?
As one of New Orleans’ and the Metairie area’s Top-Rated Pain Management Specialists, Lonseth Interventional Pain Centers is the ideal destination for sports injury treatment. We use the latest treatments and technologies to help our patients recover from their injuries. Our knowledgeable team of double board-certified anesthesiologists and doctors have extensive fellowship training and are eager to develop a customized treatment plan aimed at getting you back to work or back on the field.
Sports Injuries FAQ
If you injury does not improve over the course of several says it may be time to visit your doctor. To receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for a sports injury, visit your doctor as soon as is practicable.
You can always consult your regular doctor first before seeking outside help for a sports injury. However, if your regular doctor is unavailable or you need to see a specialist, you may want to seek out a sports medicine doctor.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent sports injuries but wearing the proper gear for your sport can also help to protect your body from impact and injury.