EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPORTS MEDICINE

We all know that engaging in physical activities and sports brings us immense joy, but it's not without its risks. Whether you're a professional athlete or an avid hiker, injuries can happen when we least expect them to. That's where sports medicine comes in to prevent injuries or facilitate recovery. 

Sports medicine is an extraordinary discipline that combines the expertise of orthopedic doctors, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and sports scientists. Keep reading to discover exactly what sports medicine is and when you might need to seek help from a sports medicine specialist to treat your injuries.

What Is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is a specialized field within healthcare that deals with diagnosing and treating activity-related injuries. This subspecialty focuses on early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of complications and promote a swift recovery. If you're an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or you have a child who is into soccer, sports medicine specialists are your go-to professionals for comprehensive musculoskeletal care.

When it comes to sports injuries, immediate intervention can make all the difference. Sports medicine emphasizes early diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring a swift recovery. A sports medicine specialist will assess the underlying cause of the injury and provide tailored treatment to meet your specific health needs.

What Does Sports Medicine Treat?

Sports medicine treatments vary depending on the nature and severity of the injury you have sustained. You should see a sports medicine specialist such as Dr. David Larson from AZ Ortho for injuries such as:

• Ankle sprains
• Lisfranc injuries
• Turf toe
• Osteochondritis dissecans (bone death caused by poor circulation)
• Achilles tendon ruptures
• Shin splints

In general, sports medicine healthcare providers can also give you advice on nutrition, exercise, and injury prevention.

Who Is at Risk of Experiencing a Sports Injury?

Sports injuries can affect anyone who engages in physical activity, but certain factors can increase your risk. Teenagers, with their still-developing bodies, are particularly prone to sports injuries. Their growing bones, muscles, and tendons are more susceptible to strain or injury during physical activity.

However, it's not just teenagers who are at risk. Adults who lead a sedentary lifestyle or participate in sporadic physical activity are also more vulnerable to sports injuries. When your body is not accustomed to regular exercise, the muscles and ligaments may be weaker and less able to withstand the demands of physical exertion, making injuries more likely.

Another significant risk factor for sports injuries is failing to warm up properly before engaging in physical activity. Warming up helps prepare your muscles, tendons, and joints for the workout ahead by increasing blood flow, improving flexibility, and reducing the risk of strains or sprains. Neglecting this crucial step can leave your body more susceptible to injury.

Regardless of age or fitness level, sports injuries can happen to anyone. However, by understanding the risk factors and taking the necessary precautions, you can reduce your chances of experiencing a sports injury. Ensuring proper warm-up routines, incorporating consistent physical activity into your lifestyle, and using the appropriate safety equipment are all crucial steps to protect yourself and enjoy the benefits of recreational and athletic pursuits safely.

How Are Sports Injuries Treated?

Most sports injuries don’t need surgery, and their treatment varies depending on your age, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health. Initially, sports medicine practitioners will recommend non-invasive approaches like:

• RICE method—rest, ice, compression, and elevation
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy 
• Minimally invasive therapies, like corticosteroid injections to reduce pain

If these treatments do not work, your sports medicine specialist may suggest surgical intervention using traditional or minimally invasive procedures to facilitate healing.

What Happens during a Sports Medicine Visit?

During a sports medicine visit with Dr. David Larson at AZ Ortho, your health records will be reviewed, and you will be asked about your injury, including what you were doing when it happened and the symptoms you have experienced. Following this step, the specialist will perform a comprehensive physical exam that will include:

1. Revision
2. The doctor will pay particular attention to your foot and ankle while checking for redness, swelling, or bruises.
3. Assessment 
4. The sports medicine specialist will assess your muscle strength and range of motion to evaluate the extent of your injury and determine the best treatment.
5. Exploration
6. In some cases, the healthcare professional may order X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to rule out more serious problems such as broken bones or dislocated joints. 

Redefining Sports Medicine for Athletes

Sports medicine is a rapidly growing discipline in healthcare for people who run marathons, hike, or enjoy other physically demanding activities. Its primary objective is to optimize performance, prevent injuries, and aid recovery by offering early intervention tailored to your specific health needs. 

At AZ Ortho, we offer top-quality sports medicine services that cover all types of injuries related to physical activity. Dr. Larson, a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon who offers sports medicine to teens and adults, has years of experience diagnosing and treating various foot and ankle injuries, including sprains, turf toes, and shin splints. 

If you're experiencing sports injuries or seeking expert care to enhance your athletic performance, don't hesitate to reach out to the experienced team at AZ Ortho. Our dedicated sports medicine specialists, led by Dr. David Larson, offer sports medicine to teens and adults. Contact us today for more information on the services we offer.