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Each fall, millions of young athletes dust off their cleats, kneepads or racquets and play ball. Athletics can be a very positive experience, but it is important to play it safe. Sports injuries can have lifelong consequences.
Strains and sprains are among the most common sports injuries, and can usually be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation. But other injuries are more serious. In the case of ACL or meniscal tears, the patient will usually feel a pop in the knee and experience early onset swelling, said Dr. Michael Todd, orthopaedic surgeon at the OSU Medical Center Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics Practice at HealthPoint. Treatments may range from physical therapy to a knee brace to surgery.
Athletes with femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) often notice a deep-seated, nagging pain when sitting or when raising or rotating the hip, said Dr. Todd. People with FAI may also experience lower abdominal or groin pain. The condition often leads to arthritis later in life. If hip pain persists for more than 6-8 weeks without improvement, Dr. Todd recommends seeing a physician.
To prevent sports injuries, athletes should take time to warm up before strenuous exercise, build up their activity level gradually, and stop when they are fatigued. Muscle fatigue greatly increases the risk of injury. If an injury does occur, it is important to give the body time to rest and heal. If the injury is severe or the pain persists, see a physician without delay.
To learn more about Dr. Todd and sports medicine at HealthPoint, see
