Common Reasons to see a Sports Injury Specialist

With the modern emphasis on fitness, the unique ability of an experienced sports injury specialist is becoming more and more necessary. Those who overdo their training or who don't take the time to properly warm up and cool down after each exercise session will probably require the talents of this type of doctor at one time or another during their career.

Sports injuries typically affect the joints, but may also include bruising or broken bones in other areas of the body:

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are one of the most common among athletes. They range from mild to severe, and are typically caused by blows to the knee or an unnatural twisting of the joint. As many as 5.5 million individuals visit an orthopedic surgeon for knee related injuries each year. Some of the less serious include:

- Runner's Knee, which is characterized by pain around or underneath the kneecap
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome, which is characterized by pain on the outer side of the knee
- Tendonitis, caused by the degeneration of a tendon at the point where it joins the bone

More serious injuries include deep bruises reaching the bone or injuries that affect the cartilage and ligaments of the knee.

Bruise, Sprain, or Strain Injuries

Bruises are also common, but don't typically require the attention of a sports injury specialist. Muscle fibers and connective tissue are crushed, resulting in a painful area which may turn purple and swell if torn blood vessels are also involved.

Sprains affect the ligaments of a joint. Sprains occur most often in the ankles, knees, and wrists. They can range from first degree, which indicates a mildly stretched ligament, to third degree, a completely torn ligament. Sprains cause pain, bruising, swelling, instability, and even inability to move the affected joint.

Strains occur when the muscles or tendon around a joint are twisted, pulled, or torn. Once again, the victim will notice pain accompanied by muscle spasms and loss of strength within the joint. A severe strain definitely requires the attention of a sports injury specialist. Otherwise, the joint may become permanently disabled.

Fractures: Acute vs. Stress

Sometimes a partial break in the bone can occur. An acute fracture is characterized as either simple (clean break) or compound (bone pierces through skin) which occurs during a one-time injury. On the other hand, a stress fracture is caused by repeated stress on the same area which finally causes the bone to give way. Stress fractures are most commonly caused by running or jumping exercises, activities within gymnastics or track and field sports.

Most fractures require immediate attention from a sports injury specialist. If allowed to continue, the condition can result in an entirely broken bone. Symptoms include pain and swelling. The pain will typically get noticeably worse during weight bearing activities, especially if the fracture is in the leg or foot.

So, in order to prevent a visit to your local sports injury specialist, take time to properly warm up, exercise safely, and avoid these common injuries!