Sports are a great way to stay healthy and active, but they can cause many unwanted injuries if done incorrectly or without proper safety precautions. When left untreated, sports injuries can lay you off for a long time or even prevent you from getting back to doing what you love. Sports injuries affect different parts of the body, and most of them come about due to overuse and too much force. If you notice any symptoms, make sure you see a physician specializing in sports injuries in Lawrenceville for proper treatment so you can get back to the field in no time. Here are some examples of the most prevalent sports injuries.
- Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the large tendon in the back of your ankle. It attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis occurs when this tendon becomes inflamed or irritated, usually by stress or overuse. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and inability to stand on your toes or walk.
Treatment options include rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy. If the problem persists, you may need surgery to repair the tendon.
- Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is a common name for an injury to the tendon that attaches the forearm muscles that control the fingers to the bone at the elbow. This injury is usually caused by overuse, improper use of equipment, or poor swing technique. Symptoms may include:
- Pain and tenderness on the inside part of your elbow.
- Loss of strength in your hand.
- Inflammation of tendons in your arm.
Treatment involves resting the injured arm for several weeks and avoiding activities that cause pain or inflammation. Your doctor may recommend a cortisone shot, physical therapy, or other treatments to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Rotator Cuff Injury
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that hold the arm snugly in place. Injuries to this area are prevalent among athletes who do a lot of throwing. Symptoms may include shoulder pain, muscle weakness, and the inability to raise the arm above the head.
Treatment includes rest, antibiotics for infections, corticosteroid shots or pills for inflammation, and physical therapy for low-grade injuries. More significant tears may require surgery to repair the rotator cuff.
- Shin Splints
Shin splints are a common name for pain along the front of the lower leg caused by stress on the shin bone. The pain usually starts gradually and may worsen after exercising, but it may subside after several weeks. Symptoms include shin pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling.
Treatment involves:
- Resting and lowering the number of activities you do, including running.
- Jumping.
- Other sports could cause shin splints.
If pain persists, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, icing the area for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day, or using a heat pack before physical activity.
In summary, most sports injuries result from extreme impact and overuse. Early treatment is key to treating a sports injury, so you should see a specialist once you notice any symptoms. Some of the most common sports injuries include shin splints, rotator cuff injuries, golfer’s elbow, and Achilles tendonitis.
