What is sports medicine?
Sports medicine focuses on getting you moving again after an injury or other condition sidelines you from a sport or physical activity. The team at Northland Orthopedics & Sports Medicine specializes in the treatment and prevention of injuries and illnesses that may result from exercise.
What conditions do sports medicine physicians treat?
The Northland Orthopedics & Sports Medicine providers have extensive expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of many sports injuries and conditions, including:
- Ankle sprains
- Muscle strains
- Tendinitis
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Stress fractures
- Shin splints
- Knee injuries, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
- Cartilage injuries, including meniscus tears
- Shoulder injuries, including dislocations
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee)
They also teach you techniques to prevent these injuries from occurring, such as proper warm-up strategies and nutrition.
How do sports medicine physicians diagnose problems?
When you visit Northland Orthopedics & Sports Medicine for a sports-related injury, your provider begins by evaluating your overall condition. They ask you to describe how the injury occurred or when you started noticing pain and symptoms. They perform a complete orthopedic exam, which may include:
- Physical exam
- Medical history review
- Laboratory tests
- X-rays
In some cases, they may take additional diagnostic tests, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or musculoskeletal ultrasound.
How do sports medicine physicians treat problems?
After they diagnose your condition, your Northland Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provider develops an individualized treatment plan. Depending on the type and severity of your problem, sports medicine treatment may include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Immobilization in a cast or sling
- Physical therapy
- Joint injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
If your injury is severe, or if conservative treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be necessary. The Northland Orthopedics & Sports Medicine surgeons specialize in a variety of techniques, including minimally invasive arthroscopy and total joint replacement procedures.
When should I see a sports medicine physician?
You should schedule Northland Orthopedics & Sports Medicine any time you suffer an injury that results in joint pain, deformity, or reduced range of motion. Trying to push through your pain will only worsen your condition and may lead to a long-term (chronic) problem like arthritis.
Don’t wait to seek treatment for a sports injury. Call Northland Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, or book an appointment online today.
