Sports Medicine for Sports Injuries
Physical activity can be a healthy and fulfilling part of life. However, the sudden movements, powerful exertion and repetitive motions involved in sports and exercise can cause injury. The skilled orthopedic and sports medicine specialists at Beaufort Memorial can help when a sports injury puts you on the sideline.
Find an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist who can help you overcome a sports injury.
Common Treatments for Sports Injuries
Sports injuries can affect any part of your body involved in athletics. They range from stress fractures and ankle sprains to torn rotator cuffs and knee ligament injuries.
Many of our sports medicine specialists work with you to first treat sports injuries nonsurgically, for example, using the RICE method:
- Rest — Prevent further injury by immobilizing the injured area.
- Ice — Apply ice for 20 minutes to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Compression — Apply a snug compression bandage, brace or tape to help immobilize and reduce swelling.
- Elevation — Elevate the area above your heart to reduce swelling.
Other options for nonsurgical treatment include bracing, anti-inflammatory medications and injections, and physical therapy, which strengthens muscles and improves flexibility to prevent future injury.
In the event you might need more intensive treatment, our sports medicine physicians may recommend:
- Arthroscopy
- Cast immobilization
- Manipulation under anesthesia
- Surgical treatment with our team of orthopedic surgeons
- Traction to relieve pressure on the spine