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Every sport comes with a risk of injury; however, some injuries are more common than others. With the help of a Torrance sports medicine doctor, athletes can be prepared for the types of injuries that they might face. Ultimately, this could help competitive athletes avoid devastating injuries. What are a few examples?
The hip flexors are a set of muscles that help move the leg in the upward direction. When these muscles are stretched too far, a hip flexor strain can develop. This injury develops when people are too stiff such as when they forget to warm up. In order to treat a hip flexor strain, rest from physical activity along with ice and pain medication is helpful. This injury typically takes a week or two to heal.
While this isn't the most common injury, it is closely related to sports and known to be devastating. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) controls the movement of the knee. A sudden stop or change in direction could stretch this ligament to the breaking point, causing a tear. The treatment of this injury is surgical reconstruction, including the fashioning of a new ligament. After surgery, physical therapy is typically needed. The entire recovery process could take a year or more.
Concussions have received a lot of attention recently and stem from a blow to the head. Not all concussions require a loss of consciousness but they can cause people to feel dizzy, dazed, and confused. Those who participate in contact sports are more likely to sustain a concussion. The treatment of a concussion in mental rest, time, and injury prevention with proper safety gear.
The muscles of the inner thigh are called the groin. These muscles are in the shape of a fan and help to squeeze the legs together. Those who participate in sports that involve a lot of side to side movements are more likely to suffer a strained groin. This injury occurs when people spread their legs too far apart or forget to warm up. The treatment of this injury involves rest, ice, pain medication, and time. It takes about a week for a strained groin to heal.
Those who develop shooting pains that travel down the front of their legs might have developed shin splints. This happens in those who exercise too intensely or too much. Those who run long distances are likely familiar with this injury. The initial treatment of this injury is ice and rest; however, if the pain doesn't go away, there might be a fracture in the bone.
Sports that involve bending over repeatedly, such as cycling, could lead to the development of sciatica. This is the term used to describe the pain that runs from the lower back into the legs. Sciatica can be prevented by stretching. The treatment is rest, ice, and pain medication. Sciatica can take a long time to heal depending on its severity.
Hamstring injuries are among the most common sports injuries. Every sport could lead to a pulled hamstring. Hamstring pulls develop when someone stretches their leg too far, hyperextends it, or doesn't stretch properly. Hamstring injuries are famous for taking a long time to heal. With rest, ice, and pain medication, the recovery process moves more quickly; however, this recovery could still take weeks.
Inflammation of the epicondyle of the elbow is often called tennis elbow. Those who repeatedly load and swing their arm are prone to developing this injury. Tiny tears develop in the elbow ligament which leads to the development of pain. While rest from activity is recommended, braces are sometimes needed to immobilize the elbow completely. Ice and pain medications are also helpful.
Rotator cuff injuries are extremely common and develop from overuse. Those who swing their arms in an overhand motion are at risk of developing a rotator cuff injury. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications are recommended. These injuries can be prevented through shoulder strengthening exercises.
Knee sprains account for the vast majority of sports-related injuries. Repeated running without proper stretching will lead to a knee sprain. This injury could take several weeks to heal. By strengthening the muscles of the legs, knee sprains could be prevented. Rest, ice, and heat can treat a knee sprain.
Those who are in need of a sports doctor in Torrance should give us a call at 424-250-8699 to learn more about our services. At Rolling Hills Medical, we serve families from Los Angeles to Orange County and would be happy to help you with your medical needs.
