Both sports medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons specialize in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. However, a Sports Medicine Physician has their expertise in the non-operative treatments of sports injuries. They train both on sports fields and in the training room. An orthopedic surgeon specializes in the operative treatment of a musculoskeletal injury, and their training takes place on operating tables and in hospitals.

If you have sustained an injury while participating in sports, your Sports Medicine Specialist will work to:

– Maximize function
– Reduce time away from your sport
– Create a non-operative treatment plan

If a surgical option is required, a Sports Medicine Physician can also refer you to an orthopedic surgeon. However, most sports injuries do not require surgery.

Non-operative musculoskeletal injuries include:

Acute Injuries – Although they can be, these are typically not serious and can include ankle and muscle sprains, knee and shoulder injuries, and bone fractures

Overuse Injuries – Stress fractures, tendonitis, and rotator cuff impingement

Osteoarthritis & Tendonitis – Bursitis, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, gout

Sports Medicine Specialists don’t just treat athletes. Knowledge and experience gained from years of treating athletes applies just as well to the treatment of non-athletes. Sports medicine can easily be applied to the treatment of those who are injured from things like car accidents, and injuries common with the aging process such as arthritis and sprains because the overall successes of sports medicine involves returning a patient to the highest level of function.

You will likely be referred to a sports medicine doctor after sustaining an injury while you’re playing a sport or exercising. Common injuries are sprains and strains. More serious ones are broken bones, dislocated joints, muscle and knee injuries, and injury to your Achilles tendon, which is the tendon behind your ankle that connects the calf muscle to your heel bone.

Symptoms of an acute injury may include:

– Sudden pain
– Swelling
– Weakness
– Loss of movement
– A joint or bone that looks out of place

You may also see a sports medicine doctor if you have a chronic sports injury. These are injuries that develop over time and often come from training too hard or for too long. A common example is a rotator cuff injury, which are a group of muscles and tendons in your shoulder. Other examples are cracks in a bone (stress fracture) and a swollen tendon (tendinitis).

Symptoms of these injuries include:

– Pain when playing or exercising
– Swelling that worsens after you stop the activity
– A pain or ache that continues even when you’re at rest

A sports medicine doctor does not have a special name, but is simply referred to as a sports medicine doctor. These doctors specialize in treating every injury related to sports, both common and uncommon.

If you or someone you know has been injured while playing sports, come to Broadway Family Clinic today! Our kind and caring professionals are experienced in treating all kinds of sports-related injuries, and can help you recover quickly! To speak with one of our specialists, contact our office today. Visit us online or simply call us to book an appointment.