Sports medicine incorporates the diagnosis and treatment of injuries to the musculoskeletal system by an Orthopedic Surgeon. Sports medicine takes into account all the sprains, strains, fractures and breaks that can easily happen. The musculoskeletal system incorporates ligaments, tendons and muscles as well as nerves, joints and bones. If you injure any one of them and if your injury was sports related then seeing your Orthopedic sports medicine practitioner is your best path to recovery.

As a nation, we are fortunate enough to be able to take part in any number of sporting activities. Our participation in them may range from occasional; like the weekend jogger, through to team associated; like weekly basketball or softball games. Then there is the professional or elite athlete who participates in their chosen field for a living. Most sports have their own unique set of injuries that are more common to that particular discipline. For example; the injuries that a football player incurs may not be as likely to occur with those that participate in equestrian pursuits.

So, what type of pain should be followed up by a sports medicine Orthopedic physician? Obviously, if you are hurt during physical activity, treatment must be delivered immediately. Depending on the injury; ice or heat should be applied and medical advice sought. If the pain from this injury is intense then diagnosis of the injury is imperative as to its proper treatment. Your Orthopedic sports medicine physician can diagnose and treat these specific complaints. If the pain subsides post injury but is still evident after two to three days, then following up with a consultation with your orthopedic physician should be arranged.

Any degree of inflammation or swelling to the musculoskeletal system should be attended to promptly. Leaving an injury in the hopes that it will heal itself can be detrimental to the affected area and the problem can be exacerbated. Not all injuries seen by your Orthopedic sports medicine physician will require surgery. Today, treatment of sports injuries can include braces and supports, casts, medications, rehabilitation and therapy. Nevertheless, certain injuries and damage will require surgery, and arthroscopic surgery is favored for many cases suitable for this type of procedure.

Cortisone injections are another common treatment for specific injuries, and have had a high degree of success in the treatment of inflammation from sports injuries. Cortisone is a type of steroid that will help to reduce swelling or inflammation. It is important to note that Cortisone is not a pain relieving medication, it simply acts as a treatment against swelling. When injected the inflammation should subside quite swiftly. In most cases the effect can take place usually within a few days, and last up to several weeks. Pain is reduced when cortisone is injected directly into the inflamed area providing relief to the affected joint . If the injury has pre-existed for some time it is considered as chronic and results from the injection may take longer. Sometimes in chronic cases, more than one injection may be required. Consultation with your Orthopedic surgeon regarding sports medicine treatment options is highly advised in all cases of sports related injury.