According to research statistics, about nine million Americans experience sports injuries annually. Unluckily, if left untreated, these sports injuries can result in more severe problems, including being disabled. But you don’t have to worry. At StatMD, Ravinderjit Singh, MD, is an urgent care and family medicine specialist who has years of experience in diagnosing and effectively treating sports injuries. Contact the office or use the online scheduling tool today for a consultation about the best treatment for your Bakersfield sports injuries.
What Exactly Are Sports Injuries?
These are injuries that result from physical activity. Anyone can get a sports injury, but various factors escalate your risk, including not warming up before exercise, playing contact sports, or engaging in a new type of exercise after living a sedentary lifestyle. Many sports injuries resolve with simple at-home treatments such as rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain medication. However, if the symptoms persist or affect your life quality, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a sports injuries specialist.
What Are the Common Sports Injuries?
Various sports can cause a variety of sports injuries depending on the most engaging parts. Some of the common sports injuries include:
- Fractures
- Strains
- Knee injuries
- Sprains
- Dislocations
- Swollen muscles
- Achilles tendon ruptures and tears
Individuals with a rotator cuff injury can also benefit from the treatment.
What Should You Expect During Sports Injuries Diagnosis?
When you go for a sports injuries consultation, the specialist starts by conducting a physical examination and inquiring about your symptoms, including severity, when the injury occurred, and the events resulting from your injury. During the initial examination, you might be needed to perform a range of easy workouts to assess your range of motion and strength. If these tests are not sufficient in diagnosing the source of your discomfort, your provider might request diagnostic imaging such as an MRI or X-rays. These will provide detailed photographs of your soft and hard tissues and help check for severe issues such as fractures.
What Are the Available Sports Injuries Treatments?
After diagnosing your type of injury, your ideal treatment will depend on their location, severity, and effect on your day-to-day life. The team at StatMD starts by recommending conservative treatments, including the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). If the condition does not improve, the specialist may recommend a splint, cast, or physical therapy. In severe cases, you might be required to undertake surgery. The treatment is aimed at relieving pain and improving your mobility to avoid further complications.
How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Sports Injury?
The best way of reducing your risk of sports injury is practicing appropriate form during physical exercises. For instance, if you enjoy exercising in the gym, it is essential to lift weights with your legs rather than your back. More so, putting on proper safety equipment for a particular sport such as mouthguard, elbow pads, or helmets and warming up before exercise can reduce your risk of sports injury.
In conclusion, don’t let a sports injury affect your quality of life. Schedule an appointment at StatMD by contacting the office or clicking the online booking tool today to get the best treatment for sports injuries.