Sports medicine focuses on the treatment of injuries related to physical activity, but it can also help with managing long-term pain. Acute injuries happen suddenly, while chronic injuries develop slowly over time. Physicians provide various services to manage chronic injuries, ranging from physical therapy to regenerative medicine. Here is more information about sports medicine and how it can help manage different injuries:
Defining Sports Medicine
You might think sports medicine is only for professional athletes, but this field benefits anyone with an active lifestyle. This medical specialty addresses injuries to the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, and joints. Sports medicine physicians diagnose these conditions and provide treatment to restore strength and overall function.
Some sports injuries do not require surgery. Physicians treat conditions like sprains and fractures, and they guide rehabilitation. Although sports physicians do not operate, they work with surgeons when an injury requires an operation. They focus on non-surgical solutions first.
Understanding Chronic Injuries
Acute injuries happen suddenly from an impact or fall. Chronic injuries are different because they develop slowly over time. You might ignore minor pain at first, but it can eventually become a serious problem that limits your mobility.
Overuse injuries occur when you repeat the same motion too many times. Rotator cuff tears and stress fractures are common examples of this type of trauma. Tendinitis is another repetitive strain injury, and it affects the tendons connecting muscle to bone. Chronic ankle instability can happen if a sprain does not heal correctly.
Treating Persistent Injuries
Physicians use various methods to treat these persistent issues. Treatment plans usually begin with the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This approach reduces swelling, and it helps manage pain in the early stages.
Common treatments include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Activity modification
- Medication
Regenerative medicine is another option for some patients. Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses your own blood cells to promote healing, and it is a minimally invasive procedure. Providers take a sample of the patient’s blood and spin it in a centrifuge until the platelets are separated; they then add a higher concentration of those platelets back into your system. If conservative treatments fail, your doctor might suggest surgery.
Recognizing Warning Signs
See a doctor if pain persists. Severe swelling or bruising indicates a need for medical attention. You might notice a deformity, or you may find it difficult to move the injured area.
Watch for these signs:
- Severe pain that stays the same
- Inability to bear weight
- Obvious deformity
- Extreme swelling
Performance issues also signal a problem. Seek help if an old injury affects your current activity level. A physician can evaluate your condition, and they will recommend a plan to get you back on track.
Learn More About Injury Management
Sports medicine offers solutions for active individuals who suffer from chronic pain. It provides a path to recovery through non-surgical treatments, and it helps prevent future injuries. If you want to learn more about chronic injury management, consult a sports medicine physician near you.
