When to Seek Care for Sports Injuries

Injuries happen, and playing sports comes with risks. But deciding when to seek care for a sports injury or related condition can be tricky. You don’t want to take yourself out of the game for every ache and pain. On the other hand, you shouldn’t overlook a significant issue that might be serious and need medical attention.

Summit Orthopedics’ sports medicine specialists diagnose and treat many types of sports injuries associated with active lifestyles. We partner with our patients in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area to design personalized treatment plans that safely accelerate recovery to the injured area, so athletes spend less time in the doctor’s office and more time getting out on the field, court or track.

When to Seek Care for Your Sports Injury

Many sports injuries are strains or sprains that will most likely get better over time. But if the pain doesn’t go away and feels like it’s getting worse instead of better with rest, it’s a good time to see a Summit Orthopedics expert to make sure it’s not more serious.

You can expect muscle soreness after exertion. However, if you experience significant pain and swelling, bruising, or the inability to walk, run, or perform at the same level as before the injury, see a medical professional as soon as possible. Waiting could lead to more damage down the road. If you aren’t sure, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

When deciding if it’s time to see a doctor, ask yourself:

• Do you find it difficult to keep training through your pain, or is your performance impaired?
• Does your injury prevent you from walking or running?
• Is your pain persistent or accompanied by swelling?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might have an injury that could benefit from an expert’s perspective.

Common Sports Injuries

All sports and any high-intensity physical activity bring the risk of injury. But some are riskier than others. Bicycling, basketball and using exercise equipment have the highest injury rates. As far as team sports go, studies show basketball may cause the most injuries because of the sudden start/stop movements and the strain on the joints. Athletes who play contact sports, including football, soccer, baseball and hockey, put themselves at higher risk for broken bones and head injuries.

Sprains and strains to the ligaments, muscles or tendons are by far the most common sports related injuries.

Other types of sports injuries include concussions, overuse injuries and fractures.

How to Prevent Sports Injuries

Injuries will happen, but you can take steps to stay healthy and keep moving.

• Avoid training errors. Ease into your new activity to allow your body to build strength and adapt to the new stresses.
• Listen to your body. Don’t push yourself too far. Rest when you’re tired. Stop any activity that doesn’t feel right.
• Mix it up. Change up activities rather than playing the same sport all year. Whatever sport is in season, make sure you’re getting a mix of cardiovascular activity, exercises for flexibility and strength training.
• Stay hydrated. This is one all athletes know, but it can’t be stressed enough—make sure you’re drinking enough water. Warm up and cool down. Do an active warm-up activity before you step out on the field and follow up with stretching as you cool down.
• Wear the right stuff. Be sure to wear comfortable footwear for your activity. For sports requiring protective gear, be sure to wear your safety equipment and keep it in good condition.

Live Life at Your Summit

When you team up with a Summit Orthopedics sports medicine specialist, you’re working with a physician who has concentrated expertise in treating your specific injury. They can also help you improve your technique or recommend a strength training and conditioning plan for you— helping you avoid future injuries

If you’ve experienced a recent injury or are dealing with ongoing pain, Summit Orthopedics sports medicine specialists can evaluate your discomfort and develop a personalized plan to quickly and safely help you get back in the game.