Sports medicine specialists are medical professionals that specialize in caring for many different injuries related to sports. There are even some specialists that have additional training in orthopedics which can come in handy for patients that might need some form of surgery as a result of an injury. While the name “sports” would make you believe that you can only visit these professionals if you’re an athlete, this is far from the truth. Below are a few common injuries that might require you to consult with a specialist in sports medicine in Mira Mesa.
Types of Injuries
Generally speaking, a sports medicine professional will be able to treat common injuries such as fractures, broken bones, and even sprains. However, there are a lot of other injuries that they can cover as well which are listed below:
1. Shin Splints – When completing certain exercises, many have been known to feel pains shooting up their legs. This is widely known as a condition called shin splints. When this happens, patients generally complain of pain that stems along the tibia which is a big bone positioned at the front of the lower part of the leg. This pain can also be felt in the ankle or foot as well.
2. Compartment Syndrome – Ranging from minor to chronic pain, compartment syndrome can be very painful for those who encounter it. This condition can be caused by a one-time event or it can be a result of continued use. What happens is the muscle becomes overly swollen and begins taking over the space in which blood vessels and nerves are supposed to be in.
3. Dislocation of Joints – As you know, any point in which two bones meet is considered a joint. In a lot of sports or other high impact activities, patients have been known to dislocate their joints such as the shoulder, knee, hip, or even elbow. When this happens, it is important to go to a specialist of sports medicine Mira Mesa area right away.
4. Injury to the Achilles Tendon – The tendon that links the calf muscle to the back of the heel is known as the Achilles tendon. If the tendon is overworked or improperly used, there can be a lot of pain. This injury generally affects those who do not work out all the time and do not do proper stretching before doing strenuous activities. This is also common among athletes that rely on high speeds and acceleration to play their sport.
5. Concussions – Among all of the above listed injuries, the most widely known and complained about are concussions. Should you happen to suffer from a concussion, it is essential that you reach out to a medical professional right away. While many of them go away with a bit of relaxation, there are times when further complications can occur, including death.
All of the above listed injuries can certainly be treated by a specialist for sports medicine. If you or a loved one is suffering from any of the above, it is extremely important that you talk with your primary care physician about referring you to a qualified specialist.
