Sports Injuries

Injuries that happen while engaging in sports, exercise, or physical activities are called sports injuries. However, it's not just athletes who suffer from sports injuries. Children, adults, as well as older individuals can experience these types of injuries. They can result from accidents or overuse and overexertion of a specific part of your body.

Sports injuries can affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues in your body. These injuries can be acute or chronic.

Mild sports injuries can be managed at home with adequate rest and care. However, more severe injuries may require professional medical treatment, and in some cases, surgical intervention might also become necessary.

At Kimball Health Services, we are skilled in addressing a variety of sports injuries and orthopedic issues.

Causes of Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can be a result of various factors. This includes:

Accidents and collisions with other players, equipment, or the playing surface
Overuse and repetitive stress without proper rest and recovery
Poor training practices, including improper warm-up and cool-down routines
Insufficient body conditioning and incorrect form during exercises
Inadequate and lack of appropriate safety equipment during sports and physical activities

Symptoms of Sports Injuries

The common signs and symptoms of sports injuries include:

Pain and discomfort
Swelling
Bruising and discoloration on the skin
Tenderness around the injured area
Stiffness and difficulty moving the affected joint or muscle
Weakness in the injured area
Visible deformity in the shape or alignment of a body part (in case of dislocation or fracture)

The intensity and duration of these symptoms vary depending on the severity of your injury. In the case of chronic sports injuries, the symptoms will gradually get worse over time.

Types of Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can be acute or chronic. Acute sports injuries are sudden and typically occur due to sudden accidents or trauma during sports or physical activities.

Chronic sports injuries, on the other hand, develop over time and are often associated with repetitive stress or overuse of particular body parts. These injuries can also be a result of acute injuries that were not healed properly. Chronic injuries gradually worsen over time.

Common Sports Injuries

Common acute sports injuries include:

Sprains: Injuries to ligaments resulting from sudden stretching or tearing
Strains: Overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons
Fractures: Bone breaks or cracks due to sudden impact or force
Dislocations: Joints forced out of their normal positions
Contusions: Bruises caused by direct impact on the body
Concussions: Traumatic brain injuries from blows to the head
Lacerations: Cuts or open wounds often caused by sharp objects or surfaces

Common chronic sports injuries include:

Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons due to repetitive use or overuse. These include injuries such as tennis/golfer's elbow, runner/jumper’s knee, and Achilles tendonitis.
Stress Fractures: Microscopic cracks in bones from cumulative stress.
Shin Splints: Pain along the shinbone, often caused by overuse.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) near joints.
Rotator Cuff Injuries: Damage or tears in the group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, collectively known as the rotator cuff.

Diagnosis of Sports Injuries

The diagnosis of sports injuries will depend on the severity and nature of your injury. The diagnostic process involves a comprehensive evaluation of your injury and symptoms. This helps us understand the severity and extent of the damage and assess the functionality of the affected area. The process may include:

Physical Evaluation: A comprehensive physical examination is performed to assess the affected area. This includes checking for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, strength, and stability.
Imaging Tests: Various imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, are utilized to examine the internal structures of the affected area visually. These tests help in identifying fractures, soft tissue injuries, or other structural abnormalities.

Treatment for Sports Injuries

The treatment for sports injuries can vary depending on the type and severity of your injury. Some injuries are mild and may not need medical attention and can be self-managed at home with adequate rest and care.

However, for severe injuries, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis and determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

At Kimball Health Services, we address a spectrum of sports injuries and provide tailored treatment plans based on the nature and severity of your injury and condition. The treatment for common sports injuries may involve:

Rest and Immobilization

To recover from any injury, mild or severe, rest is crucial. For mild injuries, such as strain and sprain, avoiding activities that exacerbate the condition is essential.

Immobilization with the use of slings, braces, or splints can allow the injured area to heal. In case of swelling and inflammation, ice therapy and compression bandages may help reduce the symptoms.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy includes specific exercises, movements, and stretches tailored to improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. It plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process and helps in the recovery process.

Medications

These include over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage pain and inflammation. We may also provide prescription medications to manage other symptoms.

Surgery

In case of severe sports injuries, such as fractures, surgical intervention might be necessary. In case of severe tendonitis or bursitis, when conservative measures do not help, surgery might be needed.

In cases of severe shoulder damage, particularly in rotator cuff injuries, rotator cuff surgery may be performed to repair torn or damaged tendons in the shoulder.

Prevention of Sports Injuries

Preventing sports injuries is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Preventive measures include:

Proper warm-up and stretching before engaging in any physical activity
Use of proper techniques for your sports or physical activity
Getting adequate rest and recovery between workouts or intense training sessions
Use appropriate sports equipment and ensure it fits well. This includes footwear, protective gear, and any other equipment relevant to your sport.

You don't have to be a professional athlete to suffer from a sports injury – it can happen to anyone participating in physical activities. It is crucial to be aware of proper prevention measures and seek appropriate care when needed.

Treatment for Sports Injuries in Kimball, NE

Sports injuries can occur at any time to anyone. If left untreated or ignored, these injuries can cause severe damage and affect your overall quality of life. At Kimball Health Services, our expert orthopedic team, led by Dr. Jeffrey T. MacMillan and Karen Wenner, APRN, DNP, and our primary care providers offer comprehensive care and treatment for various sports-related injuries.

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call ahead or fill out our online form. We’re here for you whenever you need us.