Participating in organized activity or being on a sports team are healthy and fun ways to get in shape and reach your fitness goals. However, they often require training and intense exercise which carries the risk of injury.

For sports injuries, a healthcare provider will usually refer you to a sports medicine doctor. . Sports medicine doctors range from non-surgical, primary care doctors to orthopedic surgeons. They are trained to address issues associated with sports-related injuries, and also provide education on injury prevention. The skills used for training athletes can also help anyone who wants to get active or start exercising again.

Sports medicine doctors aim to get patients up and moving as quickly and safely as possible. Sports medicine doctors can help with many injuries, and the following is a list of some of the most common injuries they treat.

Knee Injuries

High-impact activity can wear down knee cartilage and put strain on ligaments and tendons. This means it’s not unusual for athletes or avid exercisers to experience a knee injury. Luckily, sports medicine doctors are trained to diagnose and treat minor or serious knee injuries.

Knee injuries can take a long time to heal, depending on the severity of the injury. Some Injuries such as torn ACLs, meniscus tears, and joint pain may take months to get better. Pain management and physical therapy are common elements of treatment.

Sprains and Strains

Stretching a ligament in your ankle can be uncomfortable and impair your mobility during physical activity. This injury is common within any sport that requires repetitive foot movements, such as soccer.

Another common problem athletes encounter are quadriceps strains. If you overwork your thigh muscles from too much lunging or squatting, it will be hard to walk, jump, or run properly. In this case, seeing a sports medicine doctor can help you regain strength and flexibility.

Fractures

Bone fractures occur as a result of accidents or falls. You can recognize a fracture by sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, and trouble putting weight on the injured area. Fractures are often treated with a cast or splint. In advanced cases, surgery to place pins or screws may be necessary to properly stabilize an injury.

If you’re experiencing any of the above conditions or injuries, make an appointment with a sports medicine doctor at Campbell Clinic.