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Sports Medicine Q & A

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine includes the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries. Getting treated for an injury early is important to reduce the risk of ongoing discomfort or worsening problems. 

The Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine team has many years of experience in sports medicine. They offer the latest advances in this field by using up-to-date, cutting-edge technologies and treatments.

Why might I need sports medicine?

Common sports injuries that benefit from sports medicine include:

  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Fractures
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • ALC injuries
  • MCL injuries
  • Meniscus tears
  • Joint injuries
  • Tendonitis 
  • Muscle injuries
  • Shin pain
  • Dislocations
  • Head injuries

You might get injured colliding with another player or cutting, running, jumping, or falling down while training or playing sports. See the Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine specialists at the first sign of a problem. 

What are the symptoms of sports injuries?

Symptoms you might experience because of a sports injury include:

  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Bruising 
  • Pain 
  • Redness
  • Warmth
  • Visible deformity
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Reduced mobility
  • Inability to bear weight

If you sustain a head injury, you might have a headache, memory problems, ringing in your ears,  confusion, or difficulty balancing.

How does my provider diagnose sports injuries?

To determine if you have a sports injury and which type you may have, the Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine experts discuss your symptoms and medical history with you. They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam, including balance testing, if you’ve sustained a head injury. 

Your specialist could recommend X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging procedures to confirm a diagnosis and develop an effective treatment.

What are common sports medicine treatments?

The sports medicine treatment that’s best for you depends on the type of injury you have, how severe it is, your lifestyle, and your preferences. Providers could recommend you try at-home remedies, such as rest, ice and heat packs, or wearing a brace or cast.

Other treatment options include physical therapy, medications, injections, nerve stimulation, or surgery to repair or replace damaged tissues. Follow your provider’s instructions to ensure you heal as quickly as possible to get back on the court, field, or rink.

To get treated for a sports injury, call the nearest Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine office, or book an appointment online today.