Who are sports medicine specialists?
Sports medicine specialists are professionals trained to treat and prevent injuries from sports and other physical activities. These specialists provide comprehensive medical care to athletes, sports teams, and active individuals who engage in regular workouts and want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The care given by these experts to treat strains and sprains relies on general medicine and principles of sports science, exercise physiology, sports nutrition, and sports psychology.
Education and training
Sports medicine specialists are medical doctors who must complete four years of undergraduate study. After graduating, they must complete four years of medical school. Then comes a three-year residency in internal medicine, primary care, family medicine, or emergency medicine. The next step is a fellowship in sports medicine that could last anywhere between one and two years.
After their education, sports medicine doctors must get certified before they can practice. Some sports medicine doctors acquire surgical training, too. These specialists often collaborate with physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified athletic trainers to provide patients with holistic care.
What are the different types of sports injuries?
Sports injuries mainly occur either while playing a sport or while exercising. Usually, children are at higher risk of sustaining injuries, but adults are susceptible to them too. The chances of injury increase if you haven't been regularly exercising. Several sports-related injuries include:
- Sprains: Overstretching or tearing of ligaments causes a sprain. Ligaments are tissues that connect two bones. Some common sprain symptoms are pain, swelling, bruising, limited movement of the affected joints, and hearing a "popping" sound in the joint at the time of injury.
- Strains: Overstretched tendons, which are thick fibrous cords of tissue that connect bone to muscle, can cause strains. Common symptoms of a strain include muscle spasms and pain around the affected joint, swelling, limited flexibility, and difficulty moving the affected joint. Heavy lifting, athletic activities, or prolonged repetitive motions like cycling can cause strain.
- Knee injuries: Sports injuries cause tears in muscles or tissues around the knee, affecting the joint's movement. Some common knee injuries are fractures, anterior ligament injuries, dislocation, tendon tears, collateral ligament injuries, etc.
- Achilles tendon rupture: The Achilles tendon is a thin and powerful tendon at the back of the ankle that can get ruptured or torn during physical activity, causing severe pain and difficulty walking.
- Fractures: Fractures can range from hairline fractures to the complete separation of bones. Some common symptoms that can be identified as a fracture are swelling, redness, deformity of the injured area, and difficulty supporting weight in that area.
- Dislocation: Injuries with a lot of force can cause a bone to spring out of its socket and dislocate it. Some common symptoms of dislocation are loss of motion, pain during movements, numbness around the area, and a tingling feeling in the injured area. External deformity of the wounded part is also a prominent sign of dislocation. If you experience any of these symptoms, it might be wise to consult a sports medicine specialist near you.
- Rotator cuff injury: The rotator cuff is responsible for the shoulder's movement in all directions. Sports injuries can cause a tear in these muscles and weaken the rotator cuff. Commonly experienced symptoms of a rotator cuff injury are severe pain, tenderness, trouble moving the hand backward, weakness of the shoulder, and difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder.
Types of sports medicine
The sports medicine field has many treatments for musculoskeletal issues. The diverse services provided in sports medicine lead to various training programs for healthcare professionals to specialize in.
The following are the several types of sports medicine centered on injuries and physical impairments:
- Sports medicine doctors (orthopedic): Sports medicine doctors (orthopedic) undergo extensive training. They complete medical school in 4 years, then specialize in orthopedic surgery for five years, followed by an additional 1-year training in sports medicine. Sports medicine orthopedic surgeons treat various conditions, including limb and spine deformities (like scoliosis), apophysitis, tendinitis, bone and joint infections, gait abnormalities (limping), fractures, sprains, and strains, dislocations, ligament injuries, cartilage injuries.
- Certified athletic trainers: A certified athletic trainer or an ATC typically works with local schools and teams. They are typically the first person to assess an injury; they will assist with the assessment of injuries, providing immediate care, rehabilitation, and referral to doctors. To become an ATC, one must first earn a four-year college degree in athletic training and undergo an extensive certification process.
- Physical therapists: Physical therapists assist patients in recovery from injuries. These specialists have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, but many have a master's or doctoral degree to administer the musculoskeletal system. Physical therapists can treat various injuries with electrical stimulation, massage treatment, ultrasound waves, and manual therapy. They collaborate closely with physicians to develop tailored fitness plans to avoid injuries and address musculoskeletal disorders. Some physical therapists are also qualified as athletic trainers to provide both services.
- Podiatrists: Podiatrists are specialists who treat foot problems. They receive four years of postgraduate doctoral-level training, followed by two or three years of residency. Podiatrists are trained to evaluate and treat foot and ankle diseases with surgical and non-surgical procedures. They also use X-rays to detect bone injuries. Following a diagnosis, podiatrists can prescribe medications and physical therapy to treat foot problems.
How are sports medicine specialists different from orthopedic surgeons?
Sports medicine specialists and orthopedic surgeons acquire training in treating similar conditions. Their expertise helps patients recover and rehabilitate. Both these specialists are well-trained in addressing musculoskeletal disorders—the primary distinction between them lies in their approach to injuries and treatment.
An orthopedic surgeon specializes in musculoskeletal problems and obtains training in surgical and non-surgical treatment techniques. They may recommend surgery and perform the procedure based on your situation. An orthopedic specialist can treat patients of all ages with different orthopedic conditions, including arthritis and osteoporosis, and not just sports injuries. They are also suitable for specialized spinal injections for long-term pain relief.
While a sports medicine specialist understands orthopedics, they prioritize non-invasive and minimally invasive treatment methods. They often use a blend of nutrition plans, lifestyle modifications, and physical training to help you get back to your routine. Sports medicine aims to prevent injuries while optimizing performance. The duties of a sports medicine specialist do not stay restricted to treating your injury, and they will guide you in rehabilitation and getting back in shape.
If you are consulting a sports medicine specialist and they need a surgical option to aid your recovery, they will likely refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.
How are sports injuries treated?
Injuries and pain associated with sports, exercise, and any other physical activity are normal. However, these may occur frequently if not performed using the appropriate technique and equipment. Depending on the type of sports injury suffered, its severity, and other factors, you may need a combination of treatments.
While most injuries are minor and can heal by resting and trying out home remedies, some injuries like concussions and bone fractures require immediate medical attention and often a visit to the emergency room. No matter what injury you have, it is advised that you seek medical help. You can also visit a sports medicine specialist near you if you are an athlete and are more prone to sustaining sports injuries. Here are some ways a sports injury may be treated:
- RICE method: For minor injuries, your sports medicine doctor may offer advice on treating your injury using the RICE method, which involves- resting, ice, compression, and elevation. This method can be followed within the first 24 or 36 hours of the injury. In addition to reducing swelling, the RICE method also helps to prevent additional pain and bruising in the early days following an injury. Resting consists of avoiding or limiting heavy physical activity and not putting any weight on your injured body part. Then, you may proceed to apply an ice pack to the injured area for about twenty minutes at a time. Compression or keeping light pressure on the injured part can also help reduce swelling. Further, keeping a wounded ankle, elbow, knee, wrist, or arm elevated above the level of the heart can also reduce pain and swelling.
- Immobilization: Often, serious musculoskeletal sports injuries require immediate immobilization, which can be done by either a doctor or a paramedic. It involves limiting the movement of the injured area. For example, a sling may be used to immobilize the arms or shoulders, and a cast may be placed to support a broken bone structure. This method helps to reduce any swelling or muscle spasms. Immobilization may only be required for a short period of time.
- Surgery: Sports injuries involving fractures or ligament, tendon, and cartilage tears require surgery. For this, your sports medicine physician may refer you to a surgical specialist such as an orthopedic surgeon.
- Rehabilitation: After your injury has healed, your sports medicine doctor will give you a rehabilitation program. This is an important part of the healing process. The program may include guided exercises with proper movements, nutrition advice, and the appropriate supplements.
- Medication: Certain over-the-counter or prescription medications help decrease inflammation as well as pain associated with sports injuries. Injections like cortisone or steroid injections may be given directly at the site of pain and inflammation. In case of a temporary injury, you may need only one cortisone shot to relieve pain and inflammation.
How do you prevent injuries while playing sports?
A good warm-up and stretching can prevent sports injuries as muscles are more prone to overstretching and tears without it. A warm-up also increases blood flow to the muscles, makes them flexible, helps the muscles absorb quick movements, bends, and jerks, and reduces the chances of injuries.
Some other steps that you can take to avoid injuries are:
- Use proper technique and form while performing physical activities or playing sports. Different sports require different postures and stances. Knowing and following them avoids unnecessary strain and overstretching of muscles.
- Proper equipment like the right shoes while running or good athletic protection while playing sports like cricket go a long way in preventing injuries.
- It is important not to exert yourself too much. If you're getting back to working out after sustaining an injury, it is essential that you have healed and your body has completely recovered from previous wounds.
Find a top-rated sports medicine specialist near you in Staten Island, NY
Sports medicine specialists play an essential role in preventing injuries and providing treatment. They ensure your safety while playing sports and pursuing training goals. Moreover, you can also consult them regarding the correct exercise techniques and how to utilize your muscles to improve performance.
However, finding a qualified and experienced sports doctor in Staten Island can be a bit of a hassle. Zocdoc is a platform that will help you find the best healthcare providers of your choice through its open directory of healthcare practitioners. You can also save on expenses by going for in-network providers. Furthermore, if you need clarification on your insurance plan, you can type the carrier's name in the search filter, and the website will show you the best specialists who accept it. If you are not able to find your particular health plan listed on Zocdoc, you can also upload a photo of your insurance card. Once you upload a photo, Zocdoc will scan the image of your card and show you your likely plan. Note this service is available only for medical insurance cards. Dental and vision are excluded. If you are having trouble uploading your card, contact Zocdoc's service team. For more insurance-related information, check out Zocdoc's patient help center.
Being comfortable with your doctor is essential for receiving the best treatment. Therefore, at Zocdoc, each provider has a unique profile where you can read about their educational qualifications, clinical interests, expertise, experience, and language. You can also access user ratings and verified reviews from previous patients. Moreover, using Zocdoc, you can locate the best sports medicine specialist by conducting an area-specific search.
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Prevalence of sports-related injuries in the USA and New York
Everyone has suffered from injuries, either while playing or exercising. According to an analysis by the National Safety Council, there were around 409,000 injuries in the USA from exercise equipment in 2021. The Insurance Information Institute also states that approximately 114,875 children between the ages of 5 to 14 years suffered injuries from playground equipment. Besides that, around 222,405 people aged 25-64 have sustained injuries from exercise equipment.
Some injuries and accidents are also fatal. According to a New York State Department of Health study, 7,250 New Yorkers die yearly from an injury. Concussions due to injuries to the head while playing are prevalent in children. According to the New York State Department of Health, about 4,000 children under 19 years receive hospital treatment for sports-related traumatic brain injury causing concussions yearly.
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