Identifying & Treating Sports Injuries with Dignity Health

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: 

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 Injury in the Sacramento Region

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. 

The doctors at Dignity Health treat sports injuries in Sacramento, CA as part of our sports medicine services.

Take the Next Step

If a sports injury is causing you pain, call our physician referral line at (916) 851-2511 or complete this form to receive recommendations for an orthopedic specialist.

Identifying & Treating Sports Injuries with Dignity Health