Medicina deportiva

What is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that uses scientific research to optimize the health and athletic performance of athletes in training and competition under medical supervision. Its goal is to help athletes recover from injury and prevent future injuries.

Although sports medicine is more commonly associated with orthopedic medicine, it is also an umbrella term used to bridge medicine, physical education and basic sciences like physiology, chemistry and physics. Other medical specialties such as pediatrics, cardiology, psychiatry, gynecology and ophthalmology also play an important role in comprehensive sports medicine.

A sports medicine team may consist of an orthopedic surgeon, a certified athletic trainer, a physical therapist or kinesiotherapy provider and a strength-and-conditioning provider. Allied health professionals in sports nutrition, sports psychology, sports physiology, podiatry, sports vision and sports dentistry may also serve as valuable consultants.

How to Prevent Common Sports Injuries

We hope you will never have to visit one of our sports medicine providers for a sports injury.

Often, people become injured by doing too much too soon, not being informed on proper techniques and not being physically prepared for the level of intensity of a sport. Keep your body in check and learn how to prevent sports injuries with these seven tips.

1. Take breaks. Yes, it’s ok to take five. Taking short breaks during playtime can reduce your chance of injury, allowing your muscles to rest and prevent heat-related illnesses.
2. Wear the right shoes and appropriate gear. Beyond ensuring that your shoes are suitable for the activity, how they fit is essential. Since feet swell during exercise, try shoes that are a little larger than the size you usually wear. Having about a half centimeter of space between your big toe and the end of the shoe is a good indicator of proper fit.
3. Stretch and condition. Preparation is vital in so many aspects of life, including physical activity. Be good to your body by stretching and conditioning. It increases flexibility and strengthens muscles. Plus, developing your balance and coordination can help mitigate the risk of ankle sprains.
4. Follow proper techniques. Learning how to play correctly is so important. Whether it’s the correct stance, the appropriate gait or even a specialized way of breathing, your body will thank you for being smart about the game.
5. Stay hydrated. Dehydration results from losing fluid and electrolytes from sweat, causing fatigue, soreness, cramps and spasms. Always remember to keep water on hand to support nerve and muscle function.
6. Warm-up and cool down. Wake up your muscles and tissues with a warm-up. It dilates your blood vessels, supplying much-needed oxygen to your muscles. A cool-down is just as important, as it allows your heart rate to come down to normal slowly and decreases the risk of cramping and stiffness.
7. Don’t push it. Stop if you already have an injury or are feeling pain while playing. Not letting your body heal properly risks a more serious injury and longer recovery.

When Does My Sports Injury Need Medical Attention

When an injury sidelines a star player, it is sometimes obvious that immediate medical attention is needed. However, some injuries are not so clear-cut, especially with children.

Seek medical attention immediately if you or your child displays any of the following symptoms:

• Pain that gets worse when doing activities
• Swelling in the injured area
• Limping
• Limited range of motion
• Pain that continues for a while, gets worse at times or lasts for a week or more following an injury
• Visible lumps, bumps or deformities
• Popping or crunching sounds when the injured joint is being used
• Weakness or inability to put weight on the joint
• Instability
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Fever

For less emergent injuries, it may be beneficial to practice the RICE method.

The RICE method is a common treatment for mild sports injuries. It is performed within the first 24 to 36 hours after the injury to reduce swelling and prevent additional pain and bruising. RICE stands for:

• R – rest
• I – ice
• C – compression
• E - elevation

Contact a healthcare provider if there are no signs of improvement after performing the RICE method. Serious sports injuries can require surgery and physical therapy.

Sports Injury Surgeries Offered

At Baptist Health System and Baptist Medical Network, we are proud to offer comprehensive sports medicine care. Some, but not all, of our sports medicine surgical treatments offered include:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction – a graft replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee to restore its function after an injury. The torn ligament can either be removed from the knee or preserved before reconstruction, an arthroscopic procedure.
• Knee arthroscopy – a surgical procedure in which a small camera is used to examine tissues inside the knee joint.
• Biceps tenodesis surgery – surgeons create an opening in the humerus and stitch a rolled-up end of the bicep into place using different methods based on the specific case.
• Cartilage restoration - a procedure where a patient’s knee is resurfaced, realigned and stabilized, thereby avoiding a joint replacement.
• Fracture repair (surgical and non-surgical)- this refers to the immobilization of the bones through casting to allow them to heal and repair themselves.
  • Open reduction and internal fixation - this involves surgery to repair the fracture. Frequently, metal rods, screws or plates are used to repair the bone and remain in place under the skin after the surgery.
• Labral repair surgery – A procedure used to reverse damage to the labrum, or cartilage, in the shoulder.
• Rotator cuff repair – Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff most often involves reattaching the tendon to the head of the humerus (upper arm bone).
• Shoulder surgery – Often used to treat a frozen or dislocated shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, or a fracture of the shoulder blade (scapula).
• Tendon repair - One or more small incisions in the skin over the damaged tendon, wherein the torn ends of the tendons are sewn together. The area is then immobilized in a splint or cast to allow the tendon to heal.