Sports medicine is a health care field specializing in preventing, diagnosing, and treating athletic injuries. It is a combination of preventive medicine and therapeutic procedures. Sports medicine is used to increase performance by decreasing the risk of injury or enhancing recovery from an injury. Injuries are common among athletes at all levels and ages. Common injuries include muscle strains, joint sprains, ligament damage, and bone fractures. Sports medicine physicians have training in areas such as athletics and physical activity. They are often affiliated with academic institutions, professional sports teams, and private practice groups.
Sports medicine professionals are specially trained to perform physical examinations and diagnose injuries. They also have access to advanced diagnostic equipment, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). A large variety of treatment options are available depending on the type and severity of the injury. Some of the options include:
Injury Rehabilitation
Injury rehabilitation is done to restore a patient to normal function after an injury. Initial rehabilitation focuses on alleviating pain and swelling. Treatment may include imaging tests, readings, and x-rays for potential fractures or dislocations. Various methods of treatment are used depending upon the individual’s condition. These include strengthening exercises, ultrasound treatments, physical therapy, functional electrical stimulation (FES), and hydrotherapy.
Subtotal Joint Replacements
This is a common and crucial type of treatment that would require you to seek care from the best sports medicine doctor you can find. The treatment entails professionals carving a replacement joint from bone taken from another part of the body, or synthetic materials may be used, such as carbon fiber. The artificial prosthetic joint works like a normal hip or knee in total joint replacement to assist normal movement. It allows a full range of motion and has minimal changes to the natural shape of the joint. The artificial joint may be designed to have a slightly lower center of gravity to aid walking and other gait challenges. It may also allow for free weight-bearing and provide pain relief in areas not directly affected by arthritis or injury.
Surgery To Repair a Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear is an injury of the cartilage that helps the knee joint move smoothly. A torn meniscus can be caused by an impact on the knee or knocked down. A tear can range from a minor partial tear where only one part of the meniscus is affected to a severe tear where there is damage to both sides of the meniscus. The meniscus is the innermost layer of the knee. The meniscus becomes torn when there is a sudden, forceful twisting motion or excessive stress on the knee. A torn meniscus can cause instability in the joint, making it difficult for someone to move their knee properly. This can lead to pain and swelling of the knee and may require surgery. Surgery to repair a torn meniscus can help relieve pain, improve movement, and reduce the risk of developing arthritis.
Conclusion
Treatment methods to treat or prevent sports injuries are many and range from minimal conservative approaches to major surgical interventions. They also vary depending on the type of sport involved, the season of play, and the athlete’s age.