Sport Injuries

How do sports injuries differ from other injuries?

Sports injuries differ from other types of injuries mainly in how they happen and the demands they place on your body. While accidents or everyday injuries often result from random events, sports injuries are typically caused by:

• Repetitive motions or overuse
• High-impact activity or sudden movements
• The intensity of training or competition
• Your technique, conditioning, and equipment

If you’re an athlete who often pushes your body to perform at peak levels, even minor injuries can significantly affect your performance. That’s why you need timely and effective treatment to help you recover and return to activity safely.

What are the different types of sports injuries?

Sports injuries fall into acute and chronic categories:

Acute injuries occur suddenly, usually from a specific incident such as a fall, collision, or twist. Common examples include:

• Sprains and strains
• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Concussions

Chronic injuries develop gradually due to repetitive stress or overuse. Examples include:

• Tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Shin splints
• Bursitis

In addition, sports injuries can be classified based on the tissues affected. Soft tissue injuries involve damage to your muscles, ligaments, or tendons, while hard tissue injuries affect your bones. 

The White River Family Care, LLC team has the expertise to understand your type of injury, helping them provide the appropriate treatment plan and a clearer picture of the expected recovery time.

How are sports injuries treated?

At White River Family Care, LLC, your treatment for sports injuries usually begins with your practitioner performing a thorough assessment to determine the severity and underlying causes. For acute injuries, common approaches include:

• The RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
• Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications
• Immobilization or supportive bracing

For chronic injuries, your provider may recommend:

• Rest and activity modification
• Targeted physical therapy and corrective exercises
• Bracing or supportive equipment as needed

Severe injuries may require surgical intervention to repair damaged tissues or realign bones.

You can rely on rehabilitation and prevention as two necessary components for healing. Physical therapy, strength training, and proper conditioning can also help restore your mobility, improve function, and reduce the risk of future injuries. In addition, education on technique, warm-up routines, and safe equipment use can keep you performing at your best.

If you have a sports injury, contact White River Family Care, LLC to make an appointment. Call or use the online scheduling feature.