A sports injury is sustained during exercise or sports. Usually, these are overuse injuries or overexertion injuries that occur from fatigue, pushing yourself too hard, or a lack of proper conditioning. It can also occur from falls, forceful twists and turns, and direct impacts.
Sports injuries can be frustrating and painful, but they don’t have to sideline you for good. With the right approach, you can manage your injury and get back to your sport as soon as possible.
Here are 5 tips for dealing with a sports injury as advised by our orthopedic experts in Baltimore, MD:
Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve been injured while playing sports, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s important to have a medical professional evaluate it to ensure that it’s properly diagnosed and treated. You can never be too sure what type of injury you have without an expert’s assessment. Incorrect treatment or delayed treatment can lead to chronic issues, which can result in a long time away from the court or field.
Doctors that specialize in the treatment of sports injuries are called sports medicine doctors. They can quickly diagnose and design a personalized treatment plan for a fast recovery.
Follow Your Sports Medicine Doctor’s Instructions
Once you’ve received a diagnosis and treatment plan from a sports medicine specialist, it’s important to follow their guidance. This may include resting the injured area, applying ice to it, taking medication, and attending physical therapy sessions. It’s important to be patient and not rush back into your sport before you’ve fully healed. Following your doctor’s advice can help prevent further injury and ensure that you heal as quickly and safely as possible.
Practice Good Self-Care
In addition to following your doctor’s advice, it’s important to take good care of yourself while you’re recovering from a sports injury. This may include eating a healthy, protein-rich diet, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding activities that could aggravate your injury. You may also find that activities like yoga or meditation can help reduce stress and promote healing.
Stay Positive
Dealing with a sports injury can be frustrating, but it’s important to stay positive and maintain a good attitude. Focusing on your recovery and setting realistic goals can help keep you motivated and on track. Also, do not hesitate to seek support from your family and friends, as they can also help boost your mood while you are in recovery.
Take Steps to Prevent Reinjury
While you’re recovering from your sports injury, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening again. A comprehensive treatment program will include injury prevention, which may include things like a proper warm-up before exercise and cool-down afterward, cross-training, giving time for your body to rest and recover, wearing proper protective gear, and gradually increasing activity intensity. You may also want to consider working with a coach or trainer to develop a training plan that minimizes the risk of injury.
Dealing with a sports injury can be tough, but with the right approach, you can manage your injury and get back to your sport as soon as possible. By seeking medical attention, following your doctor’s advice, practicing good self-care, staying positive, and taking steps to prevent reinjuries, you can help ensure a speedy and safe recovery ahead.
Sports Injury Treatment in Baltimore, MD
The board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic doctors at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland (OACM) have advanced training in sports medicine. Our doctors treat and rehabilitate athletes and help improve their athletic performance. We make it convenient for you to receive comprehensive sports injury care, with on-site diagnostic testing and an on-site surgical center.
For quick and expert treatment of your injury, we offer after-hours care in our Catonsville, Columbia, Eldersburg, and Fulton locations. Call us at (443) 524-2577 to let us know you are coming. Otherwise, you can schedule an appointment using our online request form or call (410) 644-1880.
