Sports Injuries Capitola

Sports Injuries

Although any part of the body can be injured during sports or exercise, the term “sports injuries” is typically reserved for injuries that involve the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, bones, and connected tissues like cartilage. Fortunately, most sports injuries can be treated by a physician and most people can return to physical activity with a better understanding of how sports injuries can be prevented with the proper precautions.

What Causes Sports Injuries?

Sports injuries occur as a result of poor training practices, improper gear, accidents, or not being in proper condition for the sport. Not warming up or stretching enough before participating in a sport can also lead to injuries. Sports injuries can be classified into two general categories: acute or chronic sports injuries. Sprained ankles, strained back, or injuries that occur suddenly during activity are more common examples as acute injuries. Chronic injuries, on the other hand, develop slowly and last longer. Injuries such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, or shin splints are all considered to be chronic sports injuries, and these injuries tend to arise gradually over a period of time.

How is Sports Injuries Diagnosed?

Our consultations usually begin with some probing questions about the beginning of your pain, the particular pain sensation being felt, what makes it worse or better, and what sport or activity was being performed when the pain began. Next, we will run some physical tests to gain a sense of your general well-being including posture, range of motion, and physical condition. We will then discuss your daily routine to identify occupational movements that lead to pain such as strenuous physical work, bending/twisting, or lifting/pushing/pulling. Some of these activities may be increasing your symptoms.

After establishing a firm grasp of your situation, our doctor will test the range of motion of the area affected by your sports injury and identify the painful spots that are causing discomfort. Next, we continue with reflex tests to assess both strength and sensation, two factors often affected by poor nerve function sometimes found in sports injuries.

Whether your sports injury is chronic or acute, our doctor believes that finding and explaining the cause of the pain is the best way for patients to understand what is happening to their bodies. Schedule your appointment today at our pain management center in Capitola.