Sports Medicine

What is sports medicine? 

Sports medicine focuses on both prevention and treatment. It includes stretches and exercises to help prevent injuries before they ever occur. And, when you’re injured, sports medicine includes a variety of treatments to speed you on the path to recovery.

Can I treat a sports injury at home?

As soon as possible after an injury, you can try at-home care with the R-I-C-E method: 

• Rest: Take a break from your exercise or sports routine
• Ice: Apply ice three times daily for up to 72 hours
• Compression: Lightly wrap your injury with an Ace bandage
• Elevation: Keep the injured area on a pillow anytime you’re sitting or lying down

You may also want to take ibuprofen to alleviate pain and swelling, and see if your injury gets better in a day or so.

When should I see a sports medicine doctor?

Sports injuries are divided into two types: acute and chronic. Acute injuries, such as a sprained ankle, are often the result of a sudden movement or activity. 

With an acute injury, you should generally see a provider if your condition doesn’t improve or worsens after a day or two of at-home care. Common warning signs of an acute injury include:

• Sudden, serious pain
• Swelling
• Inability to place weight on your leg or foot
• Extreme tenderness or weakness
• A bone that appears broken or dislocated

If you suspect a broken bone, contact Eastside Foot & Ankle right away.

Chronic injuries are typically caused by overusing one area of your body. The repetitive motion of playing a sport or exercising over a long period can break down your tissues, tendons, and cartilage. The signs of a chronic injury include:

• Pain while exercising or playing a sport
• A dull ache while resting
• Swelling in the affected area

It’s best to see a specialist before a chronic injury develops. But if you’ve been procrastinating and hoping your injury will go away, you’ll want to contact Dr. Bowen or Dr. Mineo as soon as possible. 

What does sports medicine treat?

Here are a sample of sports- and exercise-related conditions that sports medicine is designed to treat:

• Achilles tendon rupture
• Foot or ankle fracture
• Ankle sprain
• Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
• Tendon injuries
• Broken toes

If you’ve been nursing a sports injury at home, you can count on Eastside Foot & Ankle for expert care by a team that emphasizes personalized care in sports medicine. Call today or book a consultation online.