Sports Medicine Los Angeles CA | Sports Injuries Sherman Oaks, Pomona CA

Sports injuries occur while playing indoor or outdoor sports or during exercise. Sports injuries can occur due to accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, and insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises. The most common sports injuries are sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations.

The most common treatment recommended for injury is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).

Rest: Avoid activities that may cause injury
Ice: Ice packs can be applied to the injured area which will help to diminish swelling and pain. Ice should be applied by covering in a towel to the affected area for 15-20 minutes four times a day for several days. Never place ice directly over the skin
Compression: Compression of the injured area helps to reduce swelling. Elastic wraps, air casts, and splints can accomplish compression of the injured area
Elevation: Elevate the injured part above heart level to reduce swelling and pain.

Some of the measures that are followed to prevent sports related injuries include:

Follow an exercise program to strengthen the muscles
Gradually increase your exercise level and avoid overdoing the exercise
Ensure that you wear properly-fitted protective gear such as elbow guards, eye gear, facemasks, mouthguards and pads, comfortable clothes, and athletic shoes before playing any sports activity which will help to reduce the chances of injury
Make sure that you follow warm up and cool down exercises before and after sports activity. Exercises will help to stretch the muscles, increase flexibility, and that reduce soft tissue injuries
Avoid exercising immediately after eating a large meal
Maintain a healthy diet which will nourish the muscles
Avoid playing when you are injured or tired. Take a break for some time after playing
Learn all the rules of the game before participation
Ensure that you are physically fit to play sports

Some of the common sports injuries include

Foot and ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries include the injuries in the leg below the knee and they are common while playing sports such as football, hockey, skating and other activities. Treatment for such conditions includes orthotics, braces, physical therapy, injections or surgery. Common sports injuries include sprains, strains, ankle fractures, and Achilles tendinitis.

Shoulder Injuries

Severe pain in shoulder while playing your favorite sports such as tennis, basketball and gymnastics may be due to torn ligament in the shoulder or may be due to shoulder dislocation. Shoulder injuries may be caused due to the overuse of shoulder while playing sports. Simple pain or acute injuries are treated with conservative interventions whereas chronic injuries may require surgical treatment.

Hip Injuries

Fractures of the femur bone, labral tear and hip dislocation are some of the common sports injuries affecting the hip. Hip joint bears more weight and is more susceptible for injuries while playing sports. Hip injuries require immediate medical treatment to avoid further complications. Rehabilitation programs and physical therapy is often recommended following the medical treatments, where you have to perform certain exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve the movements.

Knee Injuries

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a major stabilizing ligament in the knee which may tear due to the overuse of knee while playing sports. The ACL has poor healing ability that may cause instability in the knee. Other common sports injuries in knee are cartilage damage and meniscal tear. Sports knee injuries may require surgical interventions that can be performed using open surgical or minimally invasive technique. Your surgeon will recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles, improve elasticity, and to improve the movements of bones and joints.

Click on the topics below to find out more from the Orthopaedic connection websites of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.