Get back in the game!
The doctors at First Physicians are skilled at providing comprehensive care when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries. First Physicians has five locations throughout Odessa to serve you: Wendover Family Medicine, Westview Medical Clinic, East University Family Medicine, Women’s Health, and Occupational Medical Testing.
Expert care is always close by for all your medical needs, including sports injuries. Whether you have an acute or chronic injury, call First Physicians for an appointment to get the help you need to get your body back on track and back in the game.
Sports Injuries Q&A
Q: What are the most common sports injuries?
A: Injuries can happen in every activity people pursue. Sports injuries are those that simply happen while we are training for, practicing, and playing sports. They are no different than the injuries that occur during regular activities. Sports injuries frequently result from a lack of preparation or an expectation of performance that’s greater than actual ability.
Most sports injuries in non-contact sports involve the following:
- Sprains: Injuries to a joint ligament through overstretching or tearing
- Strains: Stretching or tearing of muscles
- Overexertion: Attempting to perform beyond one’s abilities or preparation level
During contact sports, athletes may experience all those injuries and more. The most common contact sports injuries include the following impact injuries:
- Head and neck injuries: Concussions, fractures, nerve damage
- Joint dislocations: Shoulders, fingers, hips, and knees are most common
- Broken bones: Arms, wrists, knees, legs, ankles, and collarbones are most common
Sports injuries can be acute or chronic. Acute injuries are immediate ones. Chronic injuries are due to wear and tear on the body, or improper healing of an injury that continues to cause pain and/or lack of mobility.
Q: What are the best ways to avoid sports injuries?
A: Training and preparation are the best ways to avoid sports injuries. Training occurs days and weeks before an activity while preparation is what you do just before it.
Pre-activity preparation involves:
- Energy: Proper diet to improve performance
- Proper hydration: To avoid overheating
- Stretching: Loosening and preparing the whole body
- Proper equipment: Wearing appropriate safety gear
- Post-activity stretching: To ensure muscles don’t tighten up
Q: How will my doctor at First Physicians treat my sports injury?
A: The treatment you receive will depend on the type of injury you have. In general, sports injuries are treated in one or more of the following ways:
- Rest: Injured area and the whole body
- Ice: Injured body part during first 48 hours after injury
- Compression: Wrap injury to prevent movement and further injury
- Elevation: Raising affected body part to help reduce swelling and pain
- NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to help reduce swelling and pain
- Immobilization: Braces and casts to promote healing and prevent further injury
- Surgery: Referrals to an orthopedic surgeon for certain types of bone fractures
- Physical therapy: Reduces pain in soft tissue and improves movement