ORTHOPEDIC
Several orthopedic issues can affect the athlete. Most are non-surgical and can be managed with the appropriate treatment plan. At Comprehensive Sports Medicine, we recognize this and work closely with sports-minded physical therapists across the state. If a surgical opinion is necessary, we rely on our network of orthopedic surgeons to deliver expert treatment. Our network of providers also includes nutritionists, chiropractors, and sport psychologists who have a track record of treating athletes.
Knee Pain
Overuse and traumatic injuries of the knee are common in sports.
Acute traumatic injuries of the knee can be significant.
Examples include:
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Ligament Injuries
- Meniscus Tears
- Tendon Tears
Examples of chronic/overuse pain of the knee include:
- Patellofemoral pain
- Tendonitis
- Osgood Schlatter’s
- Stress Fracture
- Lyme disease
- Rheumatologic diseases
Tip: If there is swelling of the knee joint, we suggest being evaluated as this could represent a more serious issue.
Hip Pain
Hip pain can come from inside the hip joint as well as outside the joint.
Pain from within the joint includes:
- Stress Fracture
- Labral Tears
- Impingement of the Joint
Pain from outside the joint includes:
- Tendon and Muscle Injuries
- Pelvic issues from the bones or ovarian/testicular issues
- Hernias
Tip: If the pain is radiating into the groin area it is important to have it evaluated.
Ankle Pain
Ankle injuries are very common and include:
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Instability
- Dislocations
- Tendon injuries
- Foot issues
Tip: Repeated sprains are easy to ignore and often become easier to tolerate. This may seem like good news, but the laxity of the ankle may be increasing. Being evaluated and undergoing a comprehensive physical therapy program is advisable.
Back Pain
Back pain in sport is common and is especially common in those who extend (bend backwards) frequently.
Common causes include:
- Muscular
- Boney
- Discogenic
Tip: If bending backwards causes significant pain we advise backing off the activities and having it checked out as stress fractures often present in this manner.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is common in overhead athletes (swimmers and throwers) or from trauma.
Trauma causes include:
- Dislocation
- Separation (acromioclavicular sprain)
- Fractures
- Labral Tears
Overuse cases of pain include:
- Impingement
- Muscle and tendon issues
- Growth plate pain
Tip: For overhead lifters (military press) we suggest evaluation and physical therapy with rotator cuff strengthening to control the humeral head compression with the acromion (part of the shoulder blade).
Elbow Pain
Pain from the elbow is common in throwers (pitchers).
Traumatic cases include:
- Dislocation
- Fracture
- Tendon and ligaments injuries
Overuse causes of pain include:
- Ligament injuries especially on the medial (inside) elbow.
- Tendon injuries from the biceps or triceps
- Growth plate pain
Tip: Medial (inside) elbow pain in a pitcher should be evaluated and the pitcher should cease throwing until the evaluation is complete.
Wrist Pain
Wrist injuries are common after falls but are also secondary to repeated wrist loading as seen in weightlifting and gymnastics.
Traumatic causes include:
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Ligament/cartilage injuries
Overuse causes of pain include:
- Tendonitis
- Impingement
- Ligament pain
- Nerve and vascular compression
Tip: Many athletes injury their wrist (often from a fall) and think it is a sprain or bruise. Be careful as this is also can represent a fracture of a carpal bone. We suggest being evaluated by a health care provider.
