Sports Medicine Specialist

What are some common injuries sports medicine treats?

Common sports injuries include:

Ankle sprains

An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when you stretch the ligaments that support your ankle beyond its limits. Ankle sprains are common in activities like running, basketball, tennis, and soccer that may cause you to twist or roll your ankle.

Although most ankle sprains are minor, without proper treatment, the injury can weaken your ankle and increase your risk of experiencing a more serious sprain. 

ACL tears

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a type of connective tissue that helps stabilize your knee joint. ACL tears are one of the most common injuries affecting the knee. An ACL tear occurs as a result of a sudden stop, fall, or change in direction that overstretches and tears the ACL. 

The symptoms of an ACL tear include swelling, loss of range of motion, and, sometimes, a popping sensation during the time of injury. 

Fractures

A fracture is an injury that occurs when you experience a crack or break in one or more of your bones. Fractures can happen as a result of sudden trauma or overuse. A stress fracture is a common type of sports injury that occurs when you place too much force on your bones at one time. 

Additional sports injuries include:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Muscle injuries
• Dislocations
• Shin splints
• Achilles tendon injuries

The specialists at Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have extensive experience preventing and treating a wide range of sports injuries for patients of all ages. If you’re very active or participate in sports, book an appointment to find out how the team can help improve your health. 

What happens during my sports medicine appointment?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a sports injury, your appointment begins with a physical exam and discussion of your injury. Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine offers in-office diagnostics, so your doctor might also perform imaging tests to get a detailed view of your injury.

After your diagnosis, your doctor determines the best ways to eliminate your pain and restore your physical performance. The team offers a number of conservative treatments like PRP therapy and bracing, as well as surgical procedures at the on-site surgical center. 

Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine also offers preventive sports medicine. During your appointment, you and your doctor discuss your general health and physical activities. Your doctor then works with you to develop ways you can reduce your risk of sports injuries and improve your physical performance. 

Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine has a team of fellowship-trained physicians and surgeons as well as highly skilled athletic trainers, a nurse practitioner, and physician assistants, who are all committed to improving and preserving your health. 

How can I prevent sports injuries?

Although accidents happen, there are steps you can take to protect yourself against sports injuries. Your doctor may suggest a number of recommendations to help you manage your risks, such as:

• Doing warm-up exercises
• Stretching before physical activity
• Wearing the proper footwear
• Using the proper safety gear

To learn more about the ways you can benefit from sports medicine, call Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, or request your appointment online today.