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One of the major misconceptions about sports medicine doctors is that they only treat athletes. In reality, their specialization covers a broad range of individuals from the weekend warrior to the regular gym buff. A sports medicine doctor is trained in treating musculoskeletal injuries like ankle sprains and knee injuries. While these may occur more frequently in athletes, even non-athletic individuals can hurt themselves in a sudden trip or fall. Outside of acute injuries, sports medicine doctors also treat overuse injuries. These are problems that develop over time when repetitive motion causes stress on the joints or joint tissue. Construction workers and other types of laborers are most likely to experience tendonitis, stress fractures or other types of overuse injuries. Care from a sports medicine doctor:Sports medicine doctors treat anyone who practices regular physical activity. Their goal is to enhance their patients’ performance, prevent injury and keep them physically active for the long run. A sports medicine doctor can be thought of as a partner in managing a healthy lifestyle. They understand that every patient requires a unique approach to treating and preventing their musculoskeletal injuries. When one patient may respond to physical therapy, another may require other conservative treatment methods. A sports medicine doctor is trained to factor in the patient’s life-specific activities to create a treatment plan that is right for them. Who can benefit from a sports medicine doctor?Sports medicine doctors treat anyone – not just athletes. Their sub-specialty of orthopaedic medicine focuses on joint health and physical wellbeing for professional athletes, weekend warriors and gym newbies alike. If you’re interested in speaking with one of The Orthopaedic Institute’s sports medicine physicians, request your appointment online today or call (352) 336-6000. OverviewWhat are sports injuries?Exercise is important to good health, but people often get hurt when participating in sports or other physical activities. A sports injury involves damage to part of your body due to sports, exercise or athletic activities. A sports injury can be acute (sudden) or chronic (develop over time). Who might get a sports injury?Sports injuries can happen to anyone, particularly people who:
What are the most common parts of the body injured?Sports injuries can affect any part of your body. They most often affect:
What are the most common sports injuries?There are many types of sports injuries. Some of the most common are:
Symptoms and CausesWhat causes sports injuries?Sports injuries have many causes, including:
What are the symptoms of a sports injury?The signs and symptoms of a sports injury depend on the type of injury. Common symptoms include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is a sports injury diagnosed?To diagnose a sports injury, your healthcare provider performs a physical exam. They’ll ask questions about what happened and what symptoms you’ve had. They’ll also look at the injured area, possibly testing how it moves. Depending on the type of injury you have and how severe it is, your healthcare provider also may recommend imaging tests. An X-ray, CT scan or MRI can create pictures of the structures inside your body. The images will help your healthcare provider understand, diagnose and treat your specific injury. Management and TreatmentHow is a sports injury treated?Treatment for sports injuries varies widely, depending on the type and severity. Many sports injuries heal in a few days or weeks with rest and at-home strategies. But for more serious injuries, treatment may involve:
PreventionHow can I reduce my risk of sports injuries?There are many ways you can help prevent sports injuries.
Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have a sports injury?The outlook after a sports injury varies, depending on the type and severity. Most sports injuries are minor and heal in a few days or weeks with rest and simple recovery strategies. Other injuries, such as broken bones and concussions, need medical intervention and can take several months to heal. Living WithHow do I take care of myself after a sports injury?If you get hurt during physical activity, stop playing or exercising immediately. You can cause more harm if you keep going. Most minor sports injuries get better in a few days with the RICE method:
You also might consider taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. As you start to feel better, go back to sports and other activities slowly. Make sure you can move the area without pain or stiffness. This will help ensure that you don’t injure yourself again or make the injury worse. When should I seek medical attention for a sports injury?Even though many sports injuries can be treated at home, you should seek medical attention for:
What can I ask my healthcare provider about my sports injury?Here are some questions you can ask your healthcare provider to better understand your specific injury:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Exercise and sports are important to good health, but they often lead to injuries. Many common, minor sports injuries can be treated at home with rest and other strategies. But seek medical attention if pain, swelling, bruising or inability to use the injured area doesn’t get better in a few hours or days. Which of the following disorders would most likely be treated by an endocrinologist?The most common diseases treated by an endocrinologist include diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2, Thyroid disorders, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and goiter. An endocrinologist is a specialist doctor who treats imbalances of hormones or the endocrine system of the body.
Which of the following physician treats the patient as a whole patient instead of concentrating on specific symptoms?Developed in the late 19th century in the United States, osteopathic physicians concentrate on treating the whole patient, rather than focusing on treating the symptoms only.
Which healthcare professional specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the internal organs?Internal medicine is a medical specialty in which physicians apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to diagnose and treat adults with a very broad range of health concerns and diseases. Physicians who specialize in internal medicine are called internists or general internists.
What type of physician specialist reads electrocardiograms ECGS?Electrocardiograms are interpreted not only by cardiologists, but also by other specialists, including family physicians. Although computerized interpretation of ECG data is widely available and is improving, it is not reliable enough to obviate the need for physician over-reading and confirmation.
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