What are the signs of a sports injury?
Sports injuries can vary from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain and loss of function. While symptoms of sports injuries are specific to the area injured, common signs of injuries include:
- Swelling or bruising
- Decreased range of motion
- Inability to bear weight or lift objects with the affected area
- Popping, clicking, or locking at the injury site
- Tenderness to touch
- Feeling that your leg or arm may give out or pop out of place
The team at Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care diagnoses and treats all types of sports injuries, no matter the location or cause of the injury and regardless of your skill level or experience as an athlete.
What types of sports injuries require treatment?
At Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care, the team provides expert care for all types of sports injuries, including:
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Pitcher’s elbow
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement
- ACL and PCL tears
- Cartilage, ligament, muscle, and tendon tears
- Meniscus tears
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Heel spurs
- Plantar fasciitis
They also handle overuse and wear-and-tear injuries to help you return to play or get back in the gym as quickly as possible.
How are sports injuries diagnosed?
The team at Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care always begins with a thorough physical exam and consultation to determine if you experienced trauma or a specific mechanism of injury. Their orthopedic exam focuses on assessing the anatomical structures involved and their level of function. The team may also refer you for X-rays or an MRI if they suspect a tear or fracture.
Based on their analysis of your injury, the team explains your diagnosis and outlines an appropriate treatment plan to help you recover.
How are sports injuries treated?
Sports injuries are treated based on your diagnosis and the severity of your injury. For mild to moderate injuries, such as sprains or strains, the team may recommend a conservative approaching that includes:
- Bracing or splinting
- Ice or heat
- Rest
- Physical therapy
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
For moderate to severe injuries, including partial or complete soft tissue tears, the team may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Stem cell therapy
- Regenerative medicine
- Cortisone injections
- Epidural steroid injections
- Nerve blocks
In most cases, surgery isn’t needed to help you recover and return to your favorite activities.
To get help with your sports-related injury, call the team at Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care or schedule an appointment online today.
