Sports Injuries

What are sports injuries?

Sports injuries may occur when you work out, play sports, or engage in recreational physical activities like running. These injuries can happen suddenly, like if you fall down or collide with another player during team sports. Other times, sports injuries develop slowly as the result of repetitive motions like swinging a tennis racket. 

Who gets sports injuries?

Anyone can get a sports injury. You may be particularly susceptible to developing sports injuries if you begin a new sport or activity or suddenly increase the intensity of exercise. Other risks for sports injuries include not warming up properly before exercise and playing contact sports like football.

What are the most common types of sports injuries?

The City Orthopedics team treats a wide range of sports injuries at their office, including:

Sprains and strains

Sprains and strains are among the most common sports injuries. Sprains affect ligaments, which are bands of tissue that connect bone to bone. Strains affect muscles. Both injuries involve overstretching or tearing of the affected tissue.

Ankle sprains often occur during sports that cause you to roll or twist your ankle. Hamstring and calf strains are common among runners. 

Rotator cuff injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that provide stability and mobility to your shoulder joint. A rotator cuff tear happens when one or more of these tendons becomes partially or completely torn. Rotator cuff tears are especially common in sports that require overhead arm motions, like baseball and tennis.

Knee injuries

The knee is a large, complex joint that’s particularly prone to injury. The City Orthopedics team treats many common knee injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, fractures, and meniscus tears. 

How are sports injuries diagnosed and treated?

First, your City Orthopedics provider reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam to diagnose your specific sports injury. The team may also take tests, like an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

Then, they recommend the best course of treatment for your condition. Depending on the type and severity of your sports injury, treatment may include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
• Immobilization with a brace, cast, or splint
• Orthobiologics like platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
• Physical therapy

If your injury is severe or doesn’t improve with conservative treatments, Dr. Mulchandani may recommend surgery. He’s a fellowship-trained arthroscopic surgeon who uses minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. 

For the highest quality care of sports injuries, call City Orthopedics or book an appointment online today.