Sports Medicine: Types, Treatment and Prevention

Our doctors work as a team to deliver the most effective sports injury care in New Jersey. Sports medicine requires precision, accuracy, and innovative technology to keep athletes of all different sports in top condition. Whether you participate in individual sports like running or tennis; or organized sports such as football, baseball or soccer, Atlantic Spine Center offers a state-of-the art facility that can serve all of your needs.

We have board certified physicians, all highly trained within their areas of expertise. You don’t need to trek around town to see a multitude of different doctors just for one injury or therapy session; we handle it all right here.

What are Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are types of injuries that occur while participating in physical activities or sports. These injuries can range from minor sprains and strains to more serious injuries such as broken bones, torn ligaments, and concussions.

Common types of sports injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, concussions, and tendinitis.

• A sprain is diagnosed when a ligament, the tissue that connects bones to one another, is stretched or torn. The most common location for sprains is the ankle.
• A strain happens when a muscle or tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone, is stretched or torn. The most common location for strains is the lower back.
• A fracture is a break in a bone, which can occur as a result of a direct blow, such as a fall, or repeated stress.
• A dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its normal position in a joint, such as the shoulder or the hip.
• A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs as a result of a blow to the head. Concussions can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and confusion.

Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive stress.

Causes

Repetitive stress on a particular part of the body can lead to overuse injuries, such as tendinitis or stress fractures.

A direct blow to the body, such as a fall or collision, can cause injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and concussions.

Also, using the incorrect technique when participating in physical activities or sports can increase the risk of injury.

Failure to properly prepare the body for physical activity, such as not warming up or stretching before participating in sports, can increase the risk of injury. Moreover, when some muscles are stronger than others, it can lead to imbalances that increase the risk of injury.

The traumas can also occur as we age, because our bodies become less able to withstand the stress of physical activity, older adults are more susceptible to sports injuries.

Using faulty or poorly fitting equipment, such as ill-fitting shoes or a damaged helmet, and playing on poorly maintained fields or in adverse weather conditions can increase the risk of injury.

Symptoms

Sports injuries can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the specific injury. Some common symptoms of sports injuries include pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, weakness, loss of function, and numbness or tingling.

Diagnosis

If you experience symptoms of a sports injury, it is important to seek prompt medical attention to prevent further complications and to develop a personalized treatment plan. Your doctor will perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and may recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to diagnose the injury and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Treatment

Although many of the patients and athletes who we treat come after they have sustained an injury, we also have a strong sports injury prevention program. Atlantic Spine Center believes in taking a comprehensive approach to remain in top condition. Many of our athletes participate in nutritional support, acupuncture sessions, fitness plans, chiropractic treatments and physical therapy support – even when their bodies are in prime condition! This helps athletes perform at maximum capacity, with less risk of injury.

Our sports medicine team is dedicated, knowledgeable and truly cares about the athletes we see on a regular basis. We are rooting for you to win and know what it takes to keep you in the best physical condition. No one can predict a sports injury, but when it does happen, come to Atlantic Spine Center and get back to full steam in less time.

Risks

Sports injuries can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, and can lead to long-term complications if left untreated. Treatment for sports injuries will depend on the specific injury, but may include rest, physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery.

Prevention

It is important to take proper precautions and use proper technique when participating in physical activities or sports to reduce the risk of injury. If you do experience a sports injury, it is important to seek prompt medical attention to prevent further complications and to develop a personalized treatment plan.