As fall sports kick into full gear, OrthoAlliance (OA) is excited to present a three-part webinar series focused on sports medicine. This series, led by esteemed orthopedic specialists from OrthoAlliance, will provide invaluable insights into the unique challenges of athletes’ health management and treatment options. Read on for a summary of frequently asked questions, watch the recordings from completed webinars or register for a future event.
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with an OrthoAlliance Physician, find a location near you and learn more at orthoalliance.com/providers/.
August 28, 2024 – OrthoInsights: Sports Injuries & Prevention Part 1
- COMMON HAND & WRIST INJURIES IN SPORT Desmond Stutzman, DO, OrthoNeuro
- OVERUSE INJURIES IN ADOLESCENTS Rick Weidenbener, MD, Midwest Center for Joint Replacement
- FEMALE ATHLETES Molly Tatum, DO, Orthopedic Institute of Dayton
- INSIGHTS ON HOW ATHLETES DEAL WITH INJURIES James Sieradzki, MD, South Bend Orthopaedics
September 25, 2024 – OrthoInsights: Sports Injuries & Prevention Part 2
- COMMON ELBOW INJURIES IN SPORT
Aaron Baessler, MD, Central Indiana Orthopedics - COMMON HIP INJURIES IN SPORT
Nicholas Walla, MD, JIS Orthopedics - COMMON SHOULDER INJURIES IN SPORT
Jordan Bonier, DO, MS, Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville - COMMON KNEE INJURIES IN SPORT
Alex Tancevski, MD, Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine
October 16, 2024 – OrthoInsights: Sports Injuries & Prevention Part 3
- COMMON FOOT INJURIES IN SPORT
Roberto Brandão, DPM, Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center - COMMON ANKLE INJURIES IN SPORT
Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, Precision Orthopaedic Specialties - BIOLOGICS OPTIONS FOR KNEE INJURIES
George Matic, MD, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions/Answers
General Injuries
The most common injury is an ACL tear. In foot and ankle injuries, we frequently see Achilles ruptures, metatarsal fractures, or simple ankle sprains. People often underestimate how intense pickleball can be and fail to warm up properly.
Adolescent Injuries
Movement does not necessarily rule out a fracture or tear. Children and teenagers, like adults, can still experience fractures or significant injuries even if they can move the affected area. It’s important to observe the injury for a day or two. If symptoms such as pain or swelling do not improve, consider consulting a physician. Seeking medical advice can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.
Female Athletes
Female athletes can benefit greatly from focusing on landing mechanics to prevent injuries, particularly those related to the ACL. A good starting point is practicing jumps and landings in front of a mirror to self-assess landing techniques. Many competitive teams implement ACL prevention programs that, while not always entirely successful, can be beneficial. These programs often include exercises to strengthen the hip abductors and surrounding muscles. Observing oneself in a mirror and working on these exercises can help identify and address potential issues early.
Coping with Injury
Athletes employ several strategies to manage injury-related pain. Icing the affected area is crucial, especially to reduce swelling. Many collegiate athletes use ice compression units that maintain a controlled temperature and provide compression while icing. Over-the-counter medications, such as a combination of Tylenol and ibuprofen, can help manage both swelling and pain. For more severe injuries, like fractures or significant ligament damage, narcotic medications might be necessary for a short period if pain is severe. These methods serve as initial treatments until a comprehensive treatment plan is developed based on the specific injury.
Regenerative Medicine
There is evolving literature on PRP, particularly for conditions like lateral epicondylitis and mild knee arthritis. While insurance coverage is limited, more evidence is being generated to support its efficacy.
Results can vary by patient, but generally, relief may begin within a few weeks and can last for months, potentially eliminating the need for reliance on anti-inflammatory treatments.
Yes. Often, we start with one, and if there’s a positive response but some discomfort remains, or if you hit a plateau, you might be a good candidate for a second or even third injection, especially for larger injuries or tears.
Typically, a fully torn ACL cannot heal on its own. Most cases require reconstruction. However, lower-grade sprains might be treated with biologics to enhance healing.
Ankle & Foot Injuries
Recovery can vary significantly. Lower-grade tears may take a few weeks to a few months, while surgical repairs can take 3 to 6 months or longer, depending on the complexity of the injury.
Both are serious. Severe ankle fractures often involve ligament damage, which can lead to complications even if the bones are properly aligned. Neglecting a severe sprain can result in long-term issues like arthritis. It’s crucial to have both evaluated by an expert for proper treatment.
Elbow Injuries
If your elbow is painful enough to warrant concern, it’s advisable to see an orthopedic provider or primary care doctor. In general, rest, ice, and anti-inflammatories are recommended.
In general, use whatever feels good. For an acute injury, ice is recommended—20 minutes on, 40 minutes off until swelling decreases. Heat is beneficial when you’re feeling better and preparing to play, as it helps warm up the area.
Hip Injuries
Strengthening the hip involves focusing on flexibility and stretching, particularly the hamstrings and core, as they play a crucial role in hip mechanics. The core is often neglected but is important for recovery.
A specialized orthopedic evaluation is recommended to confirm the issue. If it is the adductors, consider an injection in that area for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. The next steps depend on recovery progress.
Knee Injuries
No, chronic IT band syndrome does not create knee misalignment. Sometimes misalignment can cause IT band syndrome, but not the other way around. An imbalance, such as significantly stronger quadriceps than hamstrings, can contribute to issues, but misalignment is typically pre-existing.
Typically, hamstrings are weaker than quadriceps. It’s important to aim for a balance between the two to avoid altering the kinematic chain of the lower extremity.
Initially prioritize flexibility and mobility. When focusing on strength, target the hip abductors, as they play a key role in rehabilitation rather than just strengthening quadriceps or hamstrings.
Shoulder Injuries
A sprain can be a low-grade tear of the rotator cuff, but a true tear usually presents with weakness and requires evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon. An MRI is typically ordered for confirmation, although dynamic ultrasound is an alternative.
The first-line imaging is usually an X-ray to check for bone issues or degenerative changes. If soft tissue injuries like rotator cuff tears are suspected, an MRI is typically ordered. Ultrasound and CT arthrograms can also be alternatives based on the patient’s situation.