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Sports Medicine

 

Sports injuries occur when playing indoor or outdoor sports or while exercising. They can result from accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises. The most common sports injuries are sprains and strains, fractures and dislocations.

The most common treatment recommended for injury is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).

  • Rest: Avoid activities that may cause injury.
  • Ice: Ice packs can be applied to the injured area, which will help reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel on the affected area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, for several days. Never place ice directly over the skin.
  • Compression: Compression of the injured area also helps reduce swelling. Elastic wraps, air casts and splints can accomplish this.
  • Elevation: Elevate the injured part above your heart level to reduce swelling and pain.

Some of the measures that are followed to prevent sports-related injuries include:

  • Follow an exercise program to strengthen the muscles
  • Gradually increase your exercise level and avoid overdoing the exercise
  • Ensure that you wear properly-fitted protective gear such as helmet, elbow guards, eye gear, facemasks, mouth guards and pads, comfortable clothes, and athletic shoes before playing any sports activity, which will help reduce the chances of injury.
  • Make sure that you follow warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after the sports activity. Exercises will help stretch muscles, increase flexibility and reduce soft tissue injuries.
  • Avoid exercising immediately after eating a large meal.
  • Maintain a healthy diet, which will nourish the muscles.
  • Avoid playing when you are injured or tired. Take a break for some time after playing.
  • Learn all the rules of the game in which you are participating.
  • Ensure that you are physically fit to play the sport.

Some of the common sports injuries include:

Shoulder Injuries

Severe pain in your shoulders while playing your favorite sport, such as tennis, basketball and gymnastics, may be caused by a torn ligament or dislocation of the shoulder. These may result from overuse of your shoulder while playing sports. Simple pain or acute injuries may be treated with conservative treatment, while chronic injuries may require surgical treatment.

Knee Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is major stabilizing ligament in the knee, which may tear while playing sports. The ACL has a poor ability to heal and may cause instability. Other common sports injuries in the knee include cartilage damage and meniscal tears. Knee injuries during sports may require surgical intervention, which can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Your surgeon may recommend physical therapy to strengthen your muscles, and improve elasticity and movement of the bones and joints.

Sports Medicine Topics

Click on the topics below to find out more from the orthopedic connection website of American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Exercises for Young Athletes

Heat Injury

Muscle contusion (bruise)

Muscle cramp

Prevent golf injury

Prevent Inline Skating Injuries

Prevent Scooter-Related Injuries

Return to Play

Shin splints

Skateboarding Safety

Sports Nutrition

Sprains and Strains

Stress Fractures

Women and ACL Injuries

Hospital Affiliations of Dr. Selden

  • Dr Steven Selden Hartford Hospital
  • Dr Steven Selden Saint Francis Care
  • Dr Steven Selden UConn Health
  • Dr Steven Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center
Practice Location

Location & Directionsto get directions - click on map

Orthopedic Associates Of Central Connecticut, P.C.510 Cottage Grove RoadBloomfield, CT 06002-3192.