Sporting activities are exciting for most people and are also a way to stay active and fit. While sporting activities are usually fun, they come at a cost. Athletes are always at risk of sports injuries which can be mild but sometimes, they may be physically incapacitating. While you cannot wholly avoid injuries, precautions such as wearing protective gear may help. Additionally, sports medicine in West Chester allows you to regain full function after getting an injury. The following are injuries that may require medical attention.
Ankle sprain
An ankle sprain is an injury that occurs when the connective tissues overstretch when you awkwardly twist or turn your ankle. The ankle comprises tough bands of tissue called ligaments that hold joints in position and prevent excessive movement. These ligaments can overstretch when you move, you suddenly twist your ankle, and depending on the intensity of the action, these bands can stretch or tear.
Sometimes self-care measures and over-the-counter medication may be all you need to treat your strained ankles. However, other times you may need to see a specialist for diagnosis to determine the severity of your injury and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Tendonitis
Tendons are located in different parts of your body, including your shoulders, knees, and elbows. They are tissues that connect your muscles to the bone, but sometimes they can get inflamed. Repetitive activities such as throwing, running, and jumping can result in a tendon injury. Tendonitis causes pain that worsens upon motion, a grating sensation when you move, swelling, and a limited range of motion.
Mild tendon injuries can improve with simple rest, cold compression, and support. However, if the pain is severe and does not improve within a few weeks of trying home remedies, you should see a sports medicine specialist.
Fracture
A fracture breaks the bone’s continuity, usually due to high impact or stress. However, sometimes age-related problems such as osteoporosis may cause a bone to break. A bone may break partially or fully and occur in any part of your body. A closed fracture does not cause damage to surrounding tissues or protrude through the skin.
An open or compound fracture penetrates the skin, therefore posing a risk of infection. But a fracture generally would result in symptoms such as intense pain, swelling, bruising, and bleeding if it is an open fracture
Concussions
If you fall and hit your head on a hard surface, you may injure your brain, resulting in a concussion. Athletes who play contact sports such as football and soccer are more likely to suffer from concussions. A concussion is often due to a blow in the head that causes injury to the brain, affecting its function.
Sometimes an individual may suffer from amnesia, where they forget the surrounding of the traumatic events. If you still have concussion symptoms such as headache and blurry vision, you may need to refrain from activities that put you at risk for another traumatic brain injury.
If you obtained any form of injury while playing your favorite sports, book a session with your specialist at Brian Rottinghaus, M.D for treatment.