SPorts medicine

Sports medicine is a subspecialty of orthopaedics that cares for recreational and competitive athletes of all ages in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of their sports-related injuries. Sports medicine physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners treat active individuals of all levels, from school-age participants to older sports enthusiasts, as well as professional-level athletes. Regardless of ability, sports medicine can help you to obtain, or regain, your highest level of athletic performance.

Highly specialized in the promotion of lifelong fitness, nutrition and training, our sports medicine providers assist patients in the prevention of injury. Our sports medicine physician is specially trained through a Fellowship in sports medicine in the treatment of non-operative musculoskeletal sports conditions, which comprise approximately 90% of all sports injuries. When surgery is required, she refers the patient to one of our orthopaedic surgeons, and continues to assist patients during rehabilitation.

Common Sports-Related Concerns
Examples of the most common musculoskeletal problems, as well as concerns of athletes of all abilities, include:

• Sprains – A sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments, such as a stretching or tearing. The severity of the injury depends on the extent of injury (partial or complete) and the number of ligaments involved. Sprains most commonly occur in the ankle and knee.

• Strains – A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, and can be acute or chronic. A strain can be a simple overstretching, or a partial or complete tear. The rotator cuff (shoulder), bicep tendon, IT band (knee), hamstring, and elbow are common sites for strains.

• Fractures – Broken bones, either partial or complete, are common acute injuries resulting from a collision or fall during a sports activity. A splint or cast that allows continuation of the sport during the healing process may be an option. (Click here for more information on fracture care).

• Overuse Injuries – Tendonitis and stress fractures are common overuse injuries. Tendonitis, now called tendonosis occurs when a tendon is overused and develops scar tissue, and movement becomes painful – often due to overuse or aging. A stress fracture occurs when a muscle become fatigued and unable to absorb shock, and transfers its stress overload to the bone, causing a tiny crack. Stress fractures are often the result of a sudden increase in athletic intensity or improper sports equipment.

• Fitness and Performance – Strength training, conditioning, nutrition, and exercise prescription for those who want to increase athletic intensity or fitness are common reasons to consult with a sports medicine physician. If you want to prevent an injury, increase your performance, return to play, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, sports medicine can help you achieve your goals with the proper knowledge and treatment.

>> The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) provides some helpful, more in-depth information on their web site. Click links for additional information about:
Sports Nutrition Essentials for the Female Athlete http://amssm.org/FemaleNutrition.pdf
A Guy’s Guide to Sports Nutrition Essentials http://amssm.org/Handouts/GuysNutrifinal.pdf