What are the most common sports injuries?
Regardless of the sport you play, you’re at risk for injury for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common sports-related injuries include:
-
Fractures
-
Dislocations
-
Knee injuries
-
Swollen muscles
-
Sprains and strains
-
Rotator cuff injuries
Whether you take a direct hit in a high-impact sport or perform repetitive motions as part of a low-impact sport, it’s important you get a comprehensive evaluation of your injury in order to help it to heal and to prevent additional complications.
What should I do if I get injured while playing sports?
As soon as you realize you’ve been injured, either due to pain or mobility issues, you should take yourself out of the game. Continuing to play with an existing injury can lead to permanent damage.
You can reduce swelling and pain using ice therapy. You should seek emergency room treatment to be looked at if there is concern for fractured or broken bones. If pain or swelling is intense, you should schedule an evaluation with Dr. Waltrous as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis.
How are sports injuries diagnosed?
As an experienced Physiatrist, Dr. Waltrous specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disabling conditions, primarily ones that occur due to neurological or musculoskeletal injury. He will do a review of the history behind your injury as well as a physical examination to determine your exact issue.
Dr. Waltrous may use an in office ultrasound to identify the root cause of your pain, if this is appropriate. From this information, he makes a custom treatment plan with the goal to alleviate your pain and ensure you heal effectively from your injury.
What treatments are available for sports injuries?
Depending on the nature of your injury, Dr. Waltrous may recommend continuing ice therapy for several days to control swelling and pain. You may also benefit from a compression bandage to reduce swelling. Elevating the area above your heart is also an effective way to reduce swelling and pain, and promote healing.
Dr. Waltrous offers many nonsurgical options to ease pain and treat sports injuries, such as epidural injections, nerve blocks, steroid injections, and prolotherapy/PRP. Often, his goal is to help you avoid surgery unless it is truly needed and promote efficient healing based on your specific needs.
To prevent your risk for future injury during sports participation, Dr. Waltrous can also recommend preventive options such as strengthening exercises and correction of any improper ergonomics to better support your performance.
Find out more about sports injury services available by calling Maryland Sports, Spine and Musculoskeletal Institute or requesting an appointment online today..