Sports Injuries
This section provides information about sports injuries and the orthopedic treatments that are available. Part of sports medicine is ensuring that athletes will benefit from appropriate treatment. The evaluation of a sports injury is done with careful consideration to the athlete and his or her sport. This enables sports medicine specialists to choose the most appropriate treatment for injured athletes.
Learn About Common Sports Injuries
To learn more about common sports injuries and treatment options, see the following sections:
What is a Sports Injury?
Soft-tissue injuries and muscle tears occur frequently in sports. A large proportion of these injuries are minor, where the tissues remain intact. Improved diagnostic techniques such as MRI, CT scans and arthroscopy are now used in the diagnosis of sports injuries.
A minor sports injury is considered to be one that results in only three lost working days, and this accounts for approximately 50% of injuries. However, the number of moderate and severe sports injuries has increased. This can be explained by an increased willingness to take risks, increased performance mentality, and increased degree of danger in certain sports. Knee, shoulder and ankle injuries constitute the majority of cases seen by our sports medicine specialists in Tucson, AZ.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Sports Injuries
Many non-surgical treatment approaches are used in sports medicine to reduce the symptoms of injury and promote healing. A splint may be suggested initially to protect and rest the injured limb. Anti-inflammatory drugs are often used together with therapy treatments such as ultrasound, cold packs, or electrical stimulation. A series of exercises are suggested to help tissues move safely while healing. Conservative treatment is indicated for most minor sports injuries.
Surgical Treatment for Sports Injuries
Some sports injuries require surgical treatment. If there is a structural problem, such as a pinched nerve or severely ruptured tendon, surgery may be indicated. Surgery is generally accepted as the treatment of choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in athletes. The use of an arthroscope when performing surgery on torn muscle tissue and ligaments has allowed many athletes to return early to sports. Arthroscopic reconstruction using tendon-bone grafts is also used.
Sports Injury Prevention
Helping athletes understand how to prepare for their sport in order to avoid serious injury is an essential part of sports medicine. Muscles, tendons and joints require balancing and conditioning for optimal performance. An important role for the sports medicine practitioner is to improve the benefit to risk ratio associated with physical activity and sport. Injury prevention strategies are initiated during consultations when treatment is being sought. Exercises are carefully planned and directed to avoid further injury and to accelerate the recovery process. Here are some of the conditioning and sports injury prevention services we offer:
- Conditioning to avoid injury
- Evaluation of injury risk factors
- Proper use of braces and orthotics
- Exercise prescriptions for recovery
- Nutritional evaluation and counseling
- Sport-specific strengthening programs
- Post-injury rehabilitation and physiotherapy
Sports Medicine in Tucson, AZ
Sports medicine is new kind of medical science. It was developed in conjunction with athletic trainers, orthopedic doctors, rehabilitation and physical therapy professionals who shared a common interest in the promotion of lifelong wellness and fitness. Its applications are not only curative but also preventative. Our mission is to become a leader in advancing the science of sports medicine in Tucson, AZ. |
