Urgent Care for Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence for athletes of all levels—from weekend warriors to professional players. Knowing the types of injuries, their causes, and how to manage them can help you stay active and healthy.

At our Orthopedic Urgent Care offices in Granville and Coshocton, Ohio, we specialize in treating a variety of sports injuries. Our team of specialists at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine is here to help you get back on your feet with expert care and guidance. Be sure to contact us today!

What Are Sports Injuries?

Sports injuries are physical injuries that occur during exercise or while participating in a sport. They can affect bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Sports injuries are broadly categorized into two types: acute injuries and overuse injuries.

  • Acute injuries happen suddenly during activity, such as a sprained ankle or a broken wrist from a fall.
  • Overuse injuries develop over time due to repetitive motion or stress on a specific body part, like tendonitis or stress fractures.
 

Most sports injuries result from accidents, poor training practices, inadequate equipment, or insufficient warm-up and stretching. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sports injuries early can help in managing them effectively and preventing further complications.

An athlete with a sports injury in Granville, Ohio.

Common Types of Sports Injuries

While most sports injuries involve the lower part of the body, other parts of the body can get injured too. Common sports injuries include the following:

Contusions (Bruises)

Contusions are caused by a direct blow to the body, leading to discoloration and swelling in the affected area.

  • Muscle contusions: Common in contact sports like football.
  • Bone bruises: Occur when the bone is impacted but not fractured.
  • Skin bruises: Often result from minor impacts during sports activities.

Sprains

A sprain involves the stretching or tearing of ligaments that connect bones to each other, often due to a fall or twist.

  • Ankle sprains: Very common in sports that involve jumping or running.
  • Wrist sprains: Often occur in sports like gymnastics or skateboarding.
  • Knee sprains: Common knee injuries typically involve ligaments such as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Medial Cruciate Ligament (MCL).

Strains

Strains occur when muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn, usually due to overexertion.

  • Tennis Elbow: Damage to the tendons that bend the wrist backward. Also known as lateral epicondylitis.
  • Golfer’s elbow: Refers to damage to the tendons that bend the wrist forwards. Also known as medial epicondylitis.
  • Hamstring strain: Common in sports that involve sprinting.
  • Back strain: This can happen in sports like weightlifting or golf.
  • Quadriceps strain: Often seen in soccer and basketball players.

Fractures

Fractures (or broken bones) happen when there is a significant impact or stress on a bone, making it crack or break.

  • Stress fractures: Common in runners and athletes who overtrain.
  • Compound fractures: A severe break where the bone pierces the skin.
  • Greenstick fractures: More common in children, where the bone bends and cracks.

Dislocations

Dislocations occur when a bone is forced out of its normal position in a joint, often from a fall or collision.

  • Shoulder dislocations: These shoulder injuries are common in contact sports like rugby or hockey.
  • Finger dislocations: These can occur in sports like basketball or volleyball.

What Causes Sports Injuries?

Understanding the causes of sports injuries can help prevent them. Some common causes include:

  • Chronic Stress: Repeated use of a body part without adequate rest can lead to injuries.
  • Same Sport Year Round: Specializing in one sport without cross-training can increase the risk of overuse injuries.
  • Inadequate Warm-up: Failing to properly warm up before activity can lead to muscle strains and other injuries.

Risk Factors to Consider

Several factors increase the risk of sports injuries, including:

  • Age: Older athletes may be more susceptible to certain injuries due to wear and tear.
  • Previous Injuries: A history of injury can increase the likelihood of re-injury.
  • Poor Technique: Improper form or technique can put undue stress on the body.

When to Seek Orthopedic Urgent Care for a Sports Injury

Not all sports injuries require a visit to urgent care, but certain symptoms indicate it’s time to seek professional help. Visit our Orthopedic Urgent Care centers in Granville or Coshocton if you experience the following:

  • Severe Pain: Pain that does not subside with rest or over-the-counter medication.
  • Swelling and Inability to Move: Swelling that persists, along with a loss of range of motion.
  • Visible Deformity: Any visible misalignment of a joint or bone.
 

Our orthopedic urgent care offices are equipped to handle a variety of sports injuries, providing prompt and expert care.

How is a Sports Injury Treated?

The treatment of a sports injury depends on the type and severity of the injury. Common treatments include:

  • Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE): For minor injuries, this method can help reduce swelling and pain.
  • Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises help restore strength and mobility.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, such as an ACL tear or a complex fracture, surgery may be necessary.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery times vary depending on the injury. Working with a specialist ensures a proper recovery plan, reducing the risk of re-injury.

Can Sports Injuries Be Prevented?

While not all injuries can be prevented, many can be minimized with the following strategies:

  • Proper Warm-up and Cool-down: Stretching and gradual increases in intensity can prepare the muscles for activity.
  • Cross-training: Engaging in a variety of sports can reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
  • Using Proper Equipment: Ensuring that all gear fits well and is appropriate for the sport can protect against injury.

Stay Active with Orthopedic Urgent Care

Sports injuries are an unfortunate part of an active lifestyle, but with the right knowledge and care, you can minimize the impact. If you’re dealing with a sports injury, be sure to visit our Orthopedic Urgent Care offices in Granville or Coshocton, OH.

Our experienced team at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine is dedicated to helping you stay in the game. Contact us today for the expert guidance and care you’re looking for!

Medically reviewed by Alex Tancevski, M.D.