Sports Related Injuries

Millions of Americans suffer sports-related injuries each year, affecting their ability to work, exercise, or do other activities. At Full Orthopedics Urgent Care located in Aventura / North Miami Beach, Florida, the team specializes in diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. Full Orthopedics Urgent Care encourages anyone suffering from a sports-related injury to walk into the office at their convenience. You don’t need to call to schedule a consultation. However, you can always call ahead to let the team know you’re on the way.

What are sports-related injuries?

Sports-related injuries occur while playing sports or doing other physical activities, like lifting weights. These injuries can affect various parts of your musculoskeletal system, including the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. 

Sports-related injuries affect people of all ages, but they’re most common in those who rush into exercise too quickly. Thankfully, preventive activities, like stretching, warming up, and listening to your body can significantly reduce your risk. 

What are some of the most common sports-related injuries?

The Full Orthopedics Urgent Care team regularly works with runners, athletes, and CrossFit participants. They’re well-equipped to treat various sports-related injuries, including:

• Fractures (broken bones)
• Ligament sprains
• Muscle and tendon strains
• Overuse injuries (e.g., tennis elbow, runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis)
• Bursitis (inflamed bursae)
• Dislocated joints
• Meniscus tears
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Achilles tendonitis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Cartilage tears

Sports-related injuries can cause discomfort in various parts of the body. Depending on their location, you might experience foot and ankle pain, hand and wrist pain, knee or hip pain, or pain in the neck or back.

How are sports-related injuries diagnosed?

Your Full Orthopedics Urgent Care provider diagnoses sports-related injuries during a quick, in-office visit. They review your medical records and ask about your injury, including when it happened and the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Next, your provider completes an exam. For example, if you sprained your ankle, they check your affected joint, looking for bruising, redness, and swelling. Your provider gently presses your ankle to identify sensitive places, and they assess your joint’s range of motion. 

If your provider suspects you have a broken bone or a dislocated joint, they order a series of X-rays. X-rays provide detailed photos of your bones and joints. This lets your provider determine the severity of your injury and develop a personalized treatment plan. 

How are sports-related injuries treated?

The Full Orthopedics Urgent Care team uses an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treat sports injuries. They could suggest:

• Ice and heat therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Vitamin injections and supplements
• Slings, splints, or braces
• Steroid injections
• Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections
• Custom orthotics (prescription shoe inserts)
• Assistive mobility devices (e.g., a cane or crutches)
• Rest 

Most sports injuries improve with several of these treatments, but if you need more specialized care, like orthopedic surgery, the team refers you to a nearby specialist. Afterward, they coordinate treatment with your provider to ensure a positive outcome.

Full Orthopedics Urgent Care encourages people with sports-related injuries to walk in without making an appointment. You’re welcome to contact the practice first to inform the team when you expect to arrive, but it isn’t necessary.