Sports injuries are common. They can be caused by accidents, poor training practices, improper sports gear, or not warming or stretching enough before playing sports. Sports injuries may also happen if you do not give your muscles sufficient time to rest or recover. Common symptoms of sports injuries include pain, swelling, bruising, muscle weakness, limited movement, and inability to use the affected part. Sports injuries are treatable. Depending on your injury, your healthcare provider Dr. Garen Gajian may recommend rest, medications, regenerative medicine, injections, or surgery in severe cases. Most issues improve with non-surgical treatments. There are many sports-related injuries, including:
Sprains and strains
A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, while a strain is a stretched or torn tendon or muscle. Ligaments are tissues that connect bones at a joint, while tendons connect muscle to bone. Sprains can result from falling, twisting, or sudden hits. Common symptoms of sprains include pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the affected joint. Twisting or pulling muscles and tendons can lead to strain. Common symptoms of strains include pain, muscle spasms, swelling, and trouble moving the affected muscle.
Rotator cuff injuries
The rotator cuff is part of your shoulder joint that helps keep your shoulder stable when you move your arm. Rotator cuff injuries can result from wear and tear due to repetitive shoulder movement. You are more likely to experience a rotator cuff injury if you play tennis and baseball or swim. Common rotator cuff injury symptoms include pain when you lift your arm or reach behind your back. You may also experience a clicking or popping sound when you move the injured arm.
Fractures
Fractures are bone breakages. They can be partial or open. An open fracture involves a broken bone puncturing your skin. Fractures are common in sports. Common symptoms of fractures include intense pain, the affected limb may look out of place, numbness, difficulties moving the affected limb, and swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injury. Fractures require immediate medical care.
Dislocations
Dislocations involve joint injuries that force the ends of the bones out of position. They can be caused by falls, blows, or playing contact sports. Dislocations may involve your knees, shoulders, hips, elbows, or jaw. Symptoms of dislocations include swollen, very painful joints that are visibly out of place. Dislocations require immediate care. You can prevent dislocations during sports by wearing protective gear.
Achilles tendon rupture
The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that links your back calf muscles to your heel bone. Overstretching this tendon can make it tear partially or completely. Achilles tendon tear mainly affects individuals who play recreational sports. Immediately after the injury, you might hear a pop sound followed by a sharp pain in the back of the ankle and lower leg. It may be difficult to stand on the toes of the affected leg or walk.
Sports injuries may involve any body part. Common sports injuries include sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures, rotator cuff issues, and Achilles tendon tear. Schedule an appointment at Pain & Anesthesia Care for sports-related injuries treatment to restore your movement.