Orthopedic Sports Medicine
Engaging in sports is an excellent way to maintain physical fitness, foster friendships and cultivate essential life skills such as discipline, sportsmanship and problem-solving abilities. However, the continuous physical exertion involved in sports can strain your body, leading to common injuries like concussions, spinal cord injuries and tendonitis.
At Nacogdoches Medical Partners, we are dedicated to treating sports-related injuries to help you regain mobility and agility, ensuring you do not miss out on your favorite activities. However, you need not be a professional athlete to benefit from our experienced orthopedic sports medicine team.
Whether you have been injured while participating in your favorite sport, chasing after your child on the playground, or simply getting up from a chair, our sports medicine doctors, nurses, physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists are here to assist you. We offer surgical and nonsurgical treatment options to address your sports medicine needs.
What Is Sports Medicine?
Sports medicine is a specialized field of healthcare that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries related to sports and exercise. It emphasizes the importance of physical activity in maintaining overall health and preventing disease. Critical components of sports medicine include enhancing physical function and facilitating rehabilitation post-injury. Various medical specialties contribute to comprehensive sports medicine, including:
- Orthopedic Surgery: Treats injuries to bones and joints
- Rheumatology: Manages chronic musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions
- Rehabilitation Medicine: Aids in recovery and functional restoration
- Emergency Medicine: Provides acute care for injuries sustained during physical activities
- Occupational Medicine: Focuses on the health and safety of athletes in their professional environment
- Primary Care: Offers comprehensive health services for athletes
- Public Health Medicine: Examines the broader impact of sports on community health
- Cardiology: Ensures the heart health of athletes
- Neurology: Addresses sports-related neurological concerns
In sports medicine, evidence-based scientific research and exercise therapy enhance athletic performance, facilitate healing and implement strategies to prevent future injuries.
When Should I See a Doctor for My Sports Injury?
If you sustain an injury while participating in sports or exercising, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Continuing to play or exercise can worsen the injury. Visit a sports medicine clinic if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain that worsens during physical activity
- Noticeable swelling at the injury site
- Unsteady gait or limping
- Limited mobility in the affected area
- Persistent pain or discomfort that continues during rest and intensifies periodically or lasts beyond a week post-injury
- Fainting or blacking out
Initial treatment often begins with the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) method to relieve pain and swelling. Other treatments may include pain relievers, rehabilitation and surgery if conventional treatments are ineffective.
What Do Sports Medicine Doctors Do?
Sports medicine doctors are trained to manage various sports-related injuries and conditions. Their responsibilities include:
- Diagnosing Injuries: Identifying the nature and extent of sports injuries
- Treatment: Administering medications, therapeutic exercises, immobilization techniques or surgical interventions
- Rehabilitation: Guiding patients through exercises and physical therapy to restore mobility, strength and functionality
- Prevention: Offering guidance and treatment strategies to prevent injuries and slow the progression of diseases
Sports medicine physicians also play a crucial role in sporting events and physically demanding conditions, ensuring athletes’ health and safety.
Find an Orthopedics Doctor in Nacogdoches, TX
Ignoring pain can worsen an injury or condition. The orthopedic sports medicine team at Nacogdoches Medical Partners is ready to help you overcome sports injuries or mobility issues. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from an undiagnosed condition or injury, connect with one of our sports medicine physicians for a proper diagnosis and advice on the best treatment options. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room in case of an emergency. Don’t delay care.
For more information on sports medicine treatments and how they can benefit you, visit our website or contact us today at 936-205-9824 to schedule a consultation. Our team is dedicated to helping you return to the activities you love with comprehensive and personalized care.