Sports related injuries happen nearly every day during training sessions and games. There are two types of sports injuries that are common among athletes: acute traumatic injuries and chronic overuse injuries. Acute traumatic injuries often result from a single blow and require immediate evaluation by athletic training staff. Chronic overuse injuries occur over a period of time and do not often get the same level of attention from athletes as the more obvious acute traumatic injury. However, if chronic overuse injuries are left untreated, the injury can progressively get worse.
Athletes should seek a medical evaluation if they experience an "upward crescendo" with their pain while being active. Injuries that cause swelling, the loss of range of motion, inability to apply pressure, numbness, or intense pain should be evaluated by a professional. Additionally, medical attention may be required if occasional soreness from an injury progresses to become chronic pain. Acute traumatic injuries may require immediate attention in an emergency department if the injury occurs outside of normal office hours while chronic overuse injuries can easily be evaluated by a primary care physician. Depending on the severity of the injury and if the injury may cause long-term problems, athletes may prefer to be seen by a sports medicine specialist.
After being evaluated, a specialist may recommend that an athlete play with a protective or stabilizing device, forgo sporting activities while recovering from injury, undergo physical therapy to strengthen the injured area, or schedule surgery to repair the injury. A sports medicine specialist will recommend a treatment plan that gives athletes the best chance of recovery and restoration to normal function.
It is important to note that any blow or jolt to the head requires a medical evaluation. An athlete suffering from a head injury should be consistently monitored and individual instances of head injury should be recorded carefully. It is also important to share instances of head injury with doctors when undergoing routine sports physicals.
