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Athletes and Joint Pains: Is It Something You Have to Learn to Live With?

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Aches and pains are a normal part of life, especially if you are an athlete – but at what point does it cross over from being a normal pain to pain from an injury? Accord to the leading Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon, many athletes push through injuries because they think it’s the name of the game, but by doing so they put themselves at high risk of chronic or worsening conditions. Learn about injuries you may be experiencing as an athlete that are causing you joint pain.

Types of Joint Injuries that Cause Pain

Achilles Tendonitis

This condition occurs when the tendon that runs along the back of your leg, at your ankle, and right above your heel, becomes swollen or stretched. Achilles tendonitis is common with athletes due to overuse and abuse.

Torn ACL

An injury to your ACL is painful and can be very serious if not treated. The anterior cruciate ligament inside your knee joint is most commonly damaged during sports activities which involve suddenly stopping and constant changes in direction – this is why soccer players, basketball players, and volleyball players experience this injury more than other athletes.

Sprains

A sprain is a type of injury in your joint when the ligament has been pushed beyond its limits. Sprains are most common at the wrists and ankles in athletes.

Fractures

Fractures are breaks in your bones ranging in seriousness and type. A fracture can put major stress on the joints since the bone is no longer able to do its part in support the weight of your body.

Bursitis

This condition is the inflammation of the bursa due to irritation or trauma. The bursa is located between the tissues and its purpose it to reduce rubbing and friction of the bones, muscle, tendons, and skin. When this sac is damaged, it fails to reduce the irritation of tendons and creates pain in the inflicted area.

What to Do Right Away If Injury is Suspected

If you suspect injury due to a sudden onset of pain related to an impact, fall, or other trauma event to your body – or if you have pain that has been building gradually with time, certain steps may help your odds of a full recovery. Before you are able to seek medical help, stabilize the area you are experiencing the pain in and alternate between icing and using a heating pad to reduce inflammation and pain.

OTC pain medications like Ibuprofen are designed to reduce inflammation and can ease swelling. Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Martin and OrthoArizona provide sports medicine to many Phoenix athletes and can advise you on a treatment plan for the quickest, least invasive healing to get you back on the field after a full recovery. 

What the Leading Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon Wants You to Know About Sports Injuries

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A sports injury is a type of injury which occurs during the course of playing or practicing for a sporting event. Athletic injuries range in severity but very often they require treatment for a full recovery. The leading Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon wants you to know how to handle athletic injuries so you can avoid long term damage to your body. Read on to learn the essential information about sports injuries.

Most Common Types of Sports Injuries

Knowing what to expect as an athlete will help you recognized when you have been injured. Check out the most common types of sports related injuries.

Concussions

A concussion happens as a result of a violent blow or shock to the head. Concussions are common in athletes who participate in contact sports, but can also occur in non-contact sports as a result of a fall or trip. Most of the time concussions are minor but can be deadly, especially if they are left untreated and the player continues to compete.

Sprains

Sprains happen when a ligament has been stretched beyond its capacity. The most common sprains happen at the wrists and ankles.

Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee is somewhat of a blanket term used to describe pain in the knee area from years of running. The pain is usually caused from wearing of cartilage around the knee cap as well as worn tendons.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles Tendonitis is the cause of pain in the heel. This type of injury happens when the tendon just above the heel becomes swollen or irritation from overuse.

Shin Splints

When you have acute pain in the shin or lower leg from prolonged running, you have what is known as shin splints.

What to Do After an Injury

Athletes are some of the most difficult patients to treat since they have a drive to compete and push through injury, but this only makes things worse. If injury is suspected, immediate treatment will greatly reduce your healing time, chance of reoccurrence, pain, and will get you back on the field much quicker. Continuing to overwork an injured part of your body will lead to long term damage that will require more drastic measures to treat. Head and neck injuries are the most serious and should be addressed right away. Joint injuries are usually slow coming and should be treated at the first sign of pain and distress. Younger athletes should always be under the supervision of a qualified coach or trainer who is trained in recognizing the signs of sports injuries and should seek the help of a Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon at the first sign of injury.