Sports Medicine Specialist

What is sports medicine?

The sports medicine specialists at Chandran Orthopaedic Surgery focus on evaluating and treating musculoskeletal injuries that occur during physical activity. Your musculoskeletal system consists of many tissues, including bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. 

When these tissues can become injured or damaged during exercise, it’s called a sports injury. Some sports injuries happen suddenly, like when you twist your knee too far during a pivot or land from a jump awkwardly. Other times, injuries develop gradually from overuse, like a stress fracture from too much running. 

When should I see a sports medicine specialist?

If you have an injury that causes severe, immediate pain, you should seek medical care right away. If you have pain that comes on slowly or doesn’t go away after a few days of home care, schedule an appointment at Chandran Orthopaedic Surgery.

Their sports medicine specialists treat a wide range of injuries and conditions, including:

• Achilles tendonitis and tendon tears
• Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain)
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Meniscus tears
• Muscle cramps
• Rotator cuff tears
• Stress fractures
• Shin splints
• Hip bursitis
• Strains and sprains

If you return to your sport without treatment, these problems may worsen and increase your risk of developing a chronic condition, such as arthritis. 

What should I expect from sports medicine treatment?

First, your Chandran Orthopaedic Surgery provider asks you to describe your pain and symptoms and explain how the injury occurred. They perform an orthopedic evaluation, including a physical exam. They may also take tests, such as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

Then, your doctor develops an individualized treatment plan based on your specific injury and activity level. Many sports injuries improve with nonsurgical treatments, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Cortisone injections
• Changing footwear or wearing orthotics

Severe injuries, such as an ACL tear, may require surgery. The team at Chandran Orthopaedic Surgery specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopy, which involves smaller incisions, less risk, and faster recovery times. If a minimally invasive approach isn’t possible, you may need open surgery.

If you're suffering from a sports injury, call Chandran Orthopaedic Surgery or request an appointment online today.