Identifying & Treating Sports Injuries

Sports injuries that occur while engaged in athletics or exercising are often referred to as orthopedic injuries, or injuries to the musculoskeletal system. This includes your bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.

The signs and symptoms of sports injuries vary, depending on the specific body part and injury. Pain is a common symptom for many sports injuries. The type of pain depends on whether the injury is acute (sudden) or chronic (long-lasting). Acute injuries tend to cause sharp or severe pain. Pain from chronic injuries can be dull and achy and develop with time.

Other symptoms include:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty moving a limb (arm or leg) or putting weight on it
  • Redness
For fractures and dislocations, the body part may appear deformed or out of place.

Types of Sports Injuries

Common types of orthopedic sports injuries we treat include:
  • Pulled muscles (muscle strain)
  • Shin splints
  • Dislocations
  • Fractures, including stress fractures
  • Overuse injuries, or repetitive stress injuries (RSI)
  • Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and bruises
Traumatic injuries, such as fractures and dislocations, are often the result of accidents. This includes falls and direct blows to the body. Failing to warm up properly before sports and exercise can also lead to injuries like as pulled muscles. Other causes include:
  • Poor training or conditioning
  • Poor body mechanics or form
  • Using improper gear
  • Not using protective gear
Chronic sports injuries can develop from repetitive motions that continually irritate tissue. Acute injuries that do not receive proper medical care can become a chronic condition.

Preventing & Treating a Sports Injuries

The first step in the treatment and prevention of sports injuries is to stop playing or exercising when you get hurt. Do not disregard or deny persistent aches and pains. Pushing through the pain can cause more harm and put you out of commission for a longer period of time. The next step is usually rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines, if necessary.

Seek medical care from a professional at Dignity Health if you have swelling, deformity, severe pain, numbness, or the inability to put weight on or move a joint or limb. Your doctor at may need to immobilize the injury or recommend sports physical therapy. Some sports injuries require surgery in order to repair the damage.

You can trust our experienced sports medicine team to provide advanced care that addresses your complete well-being, no matter your sports injury.

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If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from sports injury in Stockton, CA or a surrounding area, the sports medicine experts at Dignity Health can help you get back on the road to recovery. Find a Doctor today.

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