Orthopedic medicine, a branch of medicine, focuses on the prevention, treatment and management of sports-related injuries. Many factors, such as overuse, trauma, or poor technique, can cause sports injuries. The orthopedic sports medicine specialist is trained to treat athletes of all ages and abilities and speed up their recovery from injuries.
Education and Training
Specialists in orthopedic sports medicine are physicians who have completed a residency or fellowship in orthopedic surgery. They learn how to treat various injuries and conditions related to sports.
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Tendonitis and bursitis
- Ligament injuries, including MCL and ACL tears
- Cartilage damage, including meniscus tears.
- Hip injuries, such as hip Labral tear and femoroacetabular impingement
- Knee injuries (patellar tendonitis/patellar instability
- Foot & ankle injuries, including ankle strains and plantar fasciitis
Orthopedic surgeon in sports medicine also learns how to perform a variety of sessions, such as arthroscopy. This involves using a small camera with instruments to diagnose and treat joint injuries. Ligament reconstruction involves replacing a damaged ligament with a graft.
Prevention
An orthopedic sports medicine goal is to prevent sports injuries from ever occurring. To achieve this, orthopedic sports medicine specialists work with athletes and coaches to develop injury prevention plans that can reduce the likelihood of injury. These programs can include:
- Warm-up & cool-down
- Flexibility and stretching
- Strengthening exercises
- Form and proper technique training
- Injury-specific conditioning programs
Specialists in orthopedic sports medicine may also recommend wearing protective equipment like helmets, pads, or braces to reduce injuries.
Diagnosis
An orthopedic sports medicine specialist will help diagnose any injuries and provide the best treatment. Diagnostic injections can also be performed to help diagnose the condition.
Treatment
For athletes suffering from injuries due to sports, orthopedic sports medicine specialists can offer both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Many non-surgical therapies can be used.
- Bracing or casting
- Medications like anti-inflammatories, pain relievers
Orthopedic sports medicine specialists may recommend surgery when non-surgical options are unsuccessful. For sports-related injuries, the following surgical options are commonly used:
- Arthroscopy
- Ligament reconstruction
- Fracture repair
- Cartilage Replacement or Repair
- Tendon repair
Recovery
It can be challenging to recover from a sports injury. But with the help and guidance of an orthopedic specialist in sports medicine, most athletes will soon be able to return to their sport at their previous level. The severity of the injury, age, and commitment of the athlete to rehabilitation will all play a role in the time taken to recover. Specialists in orthopedic sports medicine work with athletes to devise individualized rehabilitation programs to accelerate recovery and prevent future injuries.
Conclusion
Orthopedics sports medicine is a vital field of medicine that helps athletes of any age and ability prevent, diagnose, treat, and recover from sports-related injuries. Contact sports are more common than those for which you might be an athlete. Orthopedic sports medicine can help with these injuries and allow you to return to your sport.
Orthopedic Sports Medicine doctors do more than treat injuries. They also try to prevent them from happening. They can provide advice and tips to athletes on how to prevent injury.
The field of medicine treats injuries caused by physical activity or sports. These sports medicine specialists have extensive training and experience and can offer a variety of treatments, including surgery, medication, bracing and physical therapy. You must take care of your body, especially if it’s involved in sports or other activities. You can get your injury treated and return to the activities you love.