Sports Medicine Conditions

What are common sports medicine conditions?

Sports medicine covers more than just injuries for athletes, it helps anyone recover from pain, overuse, or trauma to muscles, joints, or bones. Common conditions include:

• Sprains and strains: Sprains stretch or tear ligaments, while strains affect muscles or tendons. These injuries often occur during quick changes in direction, falls, or overuse. Early rest, ice, and physical therapy help restore strength and prevent future injury.
• Fractures and stress fractures: A fracture is a broken bone, while a stress fracture is a small crack caused by repetitive stress. Common in runners and athletes, these injuries might require rest, immobilization, or surgical repair.
• Tendinitis and tendinopathy: These conditions cause pain and stiffness from inflammation or degeneration of tendons, often in the shoulder, elbow, knee, or Achilles. Treatment focuses on reducing strain and rebuilding flexibility through guided rehab.
• Dislocations and joint instability: When a bone slips out of place, it can cause severe pain and long-term joint instability. Shoulder and knee dislocations are especially common in sports. Prompt care helps prevent chronic weakness or repeat injuries.
• Cartilage and meniscus injuries: Tears or damage to cartilage, especially in the knee, can cause locking, swelling, and pain. Depending on the injury, patients might benefit from arthroscopic repair or advanced regenerative procedures.
• Bursitis and overuse injuries: Repetitive motion or pressure can inflame fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around joints, leading to swelling and tenderness. Overuse injuries like shin splints or tennis elbow improve with rest, proper mechanics, and physical therapy.
• Concussions and head injuries: A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can cause headaches, confusion, dizziness, or sensitivity to light and sound. Immediate evaluation by a sports medicine specialist helps ensure safe recovery before returning to activity. 

What symptoms should you watch for?

Sports injuries often start with mild discomfort that can worsen if ignored. Look for these common warning signs:

• Pain, swelling, or bruising
• Stiffness or limited range of motion
• Weakness or instability in a joint
• Difficulty bearing weight or moving normally
• Popping or locking sensations
• Headache, dizziness, or confusion after a blow to the head

If symptoms don’t improve within a few days or interfere with daily activities, it’s time to see a sports medicine specialist. 

When to seek care

Not every injury requires surgery. Sports medicine specialists at Reid Health provide personalized, non-surgical treatments first, including rehabilitation, bracing, and therapy. If surgery is needed, patients have access to advanced orthopedic procedures performed by fellowship-trained surgeons.