Today children are increasingly likely to play their chosen sport during the whole year with sports camps and more structured activities. However, more time in the field increases the risk of sports injuries such as ACL, knee meniscus, labrum, or UCL injuries in the shoulder and elbow.
Sports medicine in OKC focuses on injury and rehabilitation to keep you active and exercise while you are healing. You need to know this if you’re worried about a new or previous injury, together with tips to meet a sports doctor.
Common Injuries from Sports
Hip Flexor Strain – Muscles on the upper front of your thigh are the hip flexors. The primary function of hip flexor muscles is to lift the knee up to the trunk and to help move your knee from side to side. Injuries to this group of muscles can be caused by sprinting, running on inclines and fast turns, and sudden starting activity.
ACL Tear or Strain – One of the main stabilizing ligaments in the knee is the ACL, the anterior cruciate ligament. ACL strain is most likely during rapid slowing down and attempts to speed up, turn, or change directions. These are the leading causes of such injury.
Concussion – A concussion may be defined as a brain injury due to a jarred or shaken brain. Injuries like this should be taken seriously. An athlete with a concussion should look for a certified athletic trainer or a sports medicine doctor with concussion treatment experience.
Shin Splints – Athletes with splints in the shin in the lower leg or tibia complain about pain. Shin splints are most commonly found in running sports athletes or sorts with many running activities, such as football.
Hamstring Strain – On the back of the thigh lies the hamstring muscle. The hamstring muscles, unfortunately, could be tight and susceptible to stress, also known as the pulled muscle. Poor stretching techniques can lead to a tear/strain in the hamstring. An athlete often suffers from a tear on the back of the thigh or knee.
Tennis or Golf Elbow – Athletes who are performing many arm-swinging activities usually see Tennis and golfer’s elbow. It can also be called medium or late epicondylitis as an overuse sports injury. The repetitive action can inflame the tendons of the forearm and cause extremely painful motions on the wrist or hands. Athletes often complain that they do not have a strong grip. Tennis or golf elbow’s early treatment options include rest and icing of the area.
Shoulder Injury – Injuries caused to the shoulder include many sports injuries resulting from dislocation, misalignments, muscle strains, and ligament sprains.
When You Are Injured
Stop the exercise or activity and make an appointment with your doctor when you experience any of these symptoms:
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Swelling or bruising
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Weakness and incapability to lift arms
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Sharp pain in muscles
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Long-lasting pain for 2-3 days that is higher than soreness
Use the acronym RICE to encourage healing when you cannot see a doctor immediately:
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Rest and avoid any motion-related activity
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Ice application for 20 minutes
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Compress or apply pressure using compression sleeves
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Elevate as keep the injury above the heart
Preventive Steps
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Speak to athletes
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Consult with a physician in OKC for sports medicine
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Cross-training and similar activities
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Warm-up
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Take rest
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Have a balanced diet
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Drink plenty of water
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Use the right equipment
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Use the right techniques
We have doctors for sports medicine in OKC to treat such conditions in athletes. Make your appointment with a specialist at Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management today.
**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.
