If you live an active lifestyle or participate in athletic activities, chances are you’re going to experience aches and pains at some point in your life. Not every ache or pain requires medical intervention, but sometimes pain can signify a bigger problem. So, how do you know when Is It time to see a sports medicine specialist?
Assessing Symptoms of a Sports Injury
Early recognition and treatment of injuries can ensure a safe and speedy return to activity. Any of the following symptoms might indicate a need to visit with a sports medicine specialist:
- Joint swelling, locking, or instability
- Pain or abnormal function of the musculoskeletal system
- Pain that does not go away even with treatments such as rest, ice, or pain medicines
- Pain that disrupts daily activity or sleep
- An injury to a joint, ligament, tendon, or bone
- Inability to fully move a joint, arm, or leg
- Localized pain that gets worse over time or increases with continued activity
- Pain, swelling, stiffness, and/or weakness that gets in the way of training or sports activity
- Any condition that affects training or performance
- Difficulty maintaining or increasing your level of activity as you would like
- Inability to stand or walk
The Big Picture
If you’ve experienced a major injury, there is usually little doubt about the need to seek medical attention. However, many overuse injuries, such as tendonitis or stress fractures, happen slowly over time and can have subtle symptoms. As a result, many people delay treatment, which can lead to a more serious or disabling injury.
The bottom line, if you’re experiencing symptoms that prevent you from maintaining your normal level of activity, a visit with a sports medicine specialist might be in order. Our goal is to help you get and stay active.
If you’ve been sidelined by injury, we can help. Schedule an appointment with our team of orthopedic and sports medicine specialists that offer state-of-the-art treatment and highly personalized care to evaluate your injury and your options for recovery so you can get back in the game. Contact the OSMI office or call 817-529-1900 today!
