Treating Your Sports Injury
DOC Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine understands how quickly a sports injury can impact one’s life. This is especially true if an injury is left untreated. However, many sports conditions are treatable without resorting to surgical efforts, as confirmed by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. The team at DOC Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is equipped to handle a variety of sports injuries, including:
- Shoulder injuries are the most common among sports that require frequent use of your shoulder muscles, such as swimming, baseball, football, or other activities. Common shoulder sports injuries include rotator cuff injuries, shoulder instability, ligament injuries, and tendonitis.
- Foot and ankle injuries, including Achilles tendon injuries, sprains, ankle instability, and fractures.
- Hip injuries, such as arthritis, strains/sprains, or fractures.
- Knee injuries, including runner’s knee, acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, meniscus injuries, or dislocations.
- Hand, wrist, and elbow injuries, such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or sprains
- Spine injuries, such as lumbar spine pain, strains/sprains, or sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
The key to proper treatment without resorting to surgical efforts is early diagnosis. If a patient believes they have recently experienced a sports injury, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Not only does it allow patients to receive the treatment they need, but it can also avoid having to undergo major surgery. In addition, patients can feel relief from their symptoms and get back to practicing the sport they love quicker.
Non-Operative Sports Medicine Solutions
Physicians typically opt for less invasive methods of treatment before surgical efforts. That’s why DOC Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine offers athletes many non-surgical treatment options for sports injuries, including injections, lifestyle changes, medications, rehabilitation, and other methods:
Physical therapy is a great way to stimulate muscles in the injured area. DOC Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine has a team of experienced physical therapists who live right in the Alabama community. This is essential to understanding the specific needs and requirements of athletes in Decatur and Hartselle. Physical therapy treatment may consist of various exercises, activities, therapies, and training to regain muscle strength and function. When patients partake in physical therapy services, they will also receive excellent communication between patients, physicians, and therapists to ensure the highest quality of care.
Injections
Injection therapy is a method of treatment that works to relieve a patient’s symptoms after a sports injury. Most commonly used for spinal injuries, DOC Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine offers many types of injections, including:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections
- Facet joint injections
Bracing
Bracing is a common form of treatment for many injuries affecting the knee and other joint areas. Throughout physical therapy treatment, a therapist may suggest using a brace to help the knee, wrist, or other joints heal efficiently. Bracing can not only relieve painful symptoms stemming from a sports injury, but it can also cushion the joint during movement. In addition, braces can keep joints stable, preventing motions that can easily exacerbate an injury.
Medications
During initial treatment and physical therapy, physicians may prescribe medications to patients. These medications can typically eliminate swelling and inflammation, as well as debilitating and painful symptoms that follow any sports injury. Physicians prescribe medications in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as physical therapy, injections, or bracing.
Lifestyle Changes
Physicians may suggest that patients make some lifestyle changes to avoid major surgery following a sports injury. Some of these changes could include:
- Rest
- Gentle exercise
- Diet
If a physician suggests making lifestyle changes, patients must adhere to them. These changes, alongside physical therapy efforts, can help athletes heal efficiently and quickly.
Nerve Conduction Studies/EMG
Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) are non-surgical methods for diagnosing a sports injury. During this test, doctors use an electrode to measure the electrical signals in the muscles and nerves. Nerve conduction studies and EMGs can diagnose many orthopedic conditions while avoiding major surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatments At DOC Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Serving the communities of Decatur and Hartselle, Alabama, DOC Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine understands the importance of proper treatment for athletes in the area. With a dedication to providing patient-centered, comprehensive medical care to patients, we can assist those with sports injuries to get back to doing what they love most. To learn more about the non-operative sports medicine options at our facility, schedule an appointment today.
