Sports Injuries Specialist

What are the different types of sports injuries?

Sports injuries refer to injuries that occur during sports and other physical activities like running, swimming, basketball, golf, and tennis. Sports injuries can affect many of the bones, joints, and soft tissues throughout your body. Some of the most common sports injuries include:

• Ankle sprains
• ACL injuries
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Bone fractures
• Dislocations
• Muscle injuries
• Shin splints

If you suffer from a sports injury, the specialists at Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine offer in-office diagnostics and can help determine the most effective treatment for you.  

What are the symptoms of a sports injury?

The symptoms of your sports injury depend on the location, severity, and nature of your condition. If you experience a sports injury, you may notice symptoms like:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Sudden, severe pain
• Tenderness
• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty bearing weight 
• Pain that increases with activity

While some sports injuries happen suddenly, others occur as a result of long-term stress. Whether you suffer from an acute or chronic sports injury, it’s important to get the right treatment to prevent your symptoms from worsening and avoid further injury. 

When should I see a doctor about my sports injury?

In some cases, minor sports injuries can clear up on their own with at-home treatment. However, if you experience severe symptoms or symptoms that last longer than a few days, it’s time to seek medical attention. 

When you experience a sports injury, it’s important to refrain from any additional physical activity. Attempting to play through the pain can worsen your injury or lead to more severe symptoms. 

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

Certain sports injuries share similar symptoms, so an accurate diagnosis is key to a successful recovery. During your appointment at Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, you and your doctor discuss your symptoms as well as the nature of your injury. 

In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may also perform imaging tests to get a better look at your injury. The team offers in-office diagnostics, including MRIs and X-rays. After your diagnosis, your doctor works with you to develop an individualized treatment plan.

What are the available sports injury treatments?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of your sports injury. In many cases, your doctor may recommend RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce your pain and swelling. 

Your doctor may also recommend conservative treatments like:

• Physical therapy
• Orthotics
• Immobilization (e.g., cast, brace, or splint)
• Tenex
• PRP therapy
• Hyaluronic acid injections (Gel-One® or Supartz)

If your condition is severe, you may need surgery. Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine offers a wide range of safe and effective procedures, including minimally invasive techniques at the on-site outpatient surgical center, The Orthopedic Surgical Center of Montana.

To find out which sports injury treatment is best for you, call Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, or request an appointment online today.