Playing sports can provide many benefits to your life, from improved health and fitness to lower stress levels and more. However, when you play sports, there’s a risk that you could incur an injury. Orthopaedic injuries, which impact the musculoskeletal system, are particularly common among sports players.

Here, we’ll discuss the most common orthopaedic sports injuries. Keep in mind that sports medicine treatment from Hernando Orthopaedic can help you manage and prevent sports injuries so that you can stay in the game.

Sprained Ankle

Sprained ankles occur when an ankle twists abruptly, causing the ligaments in the ankle to stretch or tear. This injury is particularly common among soccer, basketball, baseball, football, hockey, and volleyball players. Ankle sprains can be treated with rest, physical therapy, and pain medication as needed. The patient may also need to wear a cast or boot on the ankle for protection as it heals.

Pulled Muscle

People who play sports can pull just about any muscle in the body, although pulled hamstrings are the most common. It’s important to warm up and stretch before playing sports to prevent pulled muscles. RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is often the best treatment method for a pulled muscle, as well as anti-inflammatory medication.

Runner’s Knee

Knee injuries are among the most common sports injuries. Runner’s knee is caused by overuse and leads to a dull pain around the kneecap. Ensuring that you’re warm before playing sports can help prevent runner’s knee, as can wearing supportive shoes and strengthening the legs. Patients with runner’s knee may get custom orthotic shoe inserts for additional knee support.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is an extremely common injury that involves tendon inflammation and/or irritation. This overuse injury can occur in athletes in various areas of the body, namely the knees, heels, shoulders, elbows, and wrists. Tendonitis can often be effectively treated with rest and physical therapy exercises, as well as pain medication, if needed.

To schedule an appointment for orthopaedic sports injury treatment, contact us today.