A medical specialty that deals in the prevention and treatment of injuries related to fitness and sports are also known as “sports medicine.”
This multidisciplinary medical field is home to healthcare professionals who treat injuries related to sports and nutrition and training for performance.
A sports medicine specialist team typically includes doctors trained in sports medicine and orthopedic surgeon, therapists, trainers, coaches, etc. The team works together to help patients return to play quickly and safely.
Many academic medical centers also have clinical research and research departments. This helps in diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries and sports-related conditions.
Sports Medicine Benefits
Specialized Care: Sports medicine physicians are trained to take care of athletes, professionals in fitness, and others who are active. They know the effects of sports and exercise on their patients, including repetitive motion injuries and concussions. They work closely with physical therapists to develop customized treatment plans for each patient.
Reinjury and Injury Prevention: A team of sports medicine physicians has an in-depth understanding of how athletes use their bodies during play and practice. As such, they can offer expert advice to help prevent injuries or avoid reinjuring an already injured area. They can help professional and amateur athletes make “return of play” decisions.
The Latest Treatment Options: Sports Medicine physicians and surgeons employ the most advanced techniques and procedures to heal injured areas.
Enhance Athletic Performance: Many sports medicine professionals play a role when creating training programs that fit an athlete’s specific needs. These experts can assess an athlete’s anatomical strengths and weaknesses, recommend training plans and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Common Sports Injuries
- Sprains and strains especially the ankle and hip sprains
- Tennis elbow is a common injury to the elbow. You can read more about treatment options for this condition.
- Tendinitis refers to inflammation of a tendon. It is most commonly caused by excessive or poor use.
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Shin splints: throbbing, aching, or irritated shin muscles. Other causes include overuse, stress fractures, and poor lower back function.
- Fractures, as well as dislocations
- Lacerations or abrasions (cuts, scrapes)
Prevention of Sports Injury
Preventing injuries requires good form and technique, good equipment (and a good dose of common sense) while training/playing/exercising. Even the most accomplished athletes should slow down and get into shape, especially after being sedentary. It may be tempting to skip the preparation and jump into a previous routine. However, this could cause injury.
The athlete should warm up before each session and then cool off afterward. They should stretch often, use good technique, and be aware that fatigue and dehydration can affect concentration and cause injury. Athletes should listen to what their bodies are telling them.
Sports injury treatment
Yet, accidents happen. The price method is the first line of treatment for less serious injuries, such as sprains/strains. The price approach involves:
Protection: Applying bandages or wraps to tissues can help prevent further damage.
Rest: Recovering from an injury is an important but often neglected part of healing. Your sports medicine expert will work with your to develop a plan for gradually reinstating activities.
Ice: Icing injured areas for 24-72 hours on and off after injury reduces swelling.
Compression: To reduce swelling, athletes often use compression bandages around their knees, elbows, or any other injured or vulnerable area.