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Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are common among athletes and active people of every age. Whether it is a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or a broken bone, an injury can sideline even the most seasoned athlete. Orthopedic care helps you recover, restore strength, and get back to the sport you love as quickly and safely as possible.

What Are Sports Injuries?

Sports injuries occur during sports or physical activity and can affect bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. They range from mild to severe. Some happen suddenly (acute injuries), such as a sprain or fracture, while others develop over time from repetitive stress (overuse injuries), such as tendonitis.
 
Sprains occur when a ligament is stretched or torn, and strains when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. Fractures occur when a bone is broken, and dislocations when a bone is forced out of its normal position. Common examples include meniscus tears, rotator cuff tears, and ankle fractures.

Treatments For Sports Injuries

Treatment varies with the type and severity of the injury. Many injuries heal with conservative care.

Non-surgical care

  • Physical therapy. Strengthens the injured area and improves range of motion.
  • Medications. Pain and anti-inflammatory medication for pain and swelling.
  • Bracing or casting. Immobilizes and supports the area while it heals.
  • Ice or heat therapy. Manages pain and swelling.

Surgical options

Surgery is considered for severe injuries or when conservative treatment has not been effective.

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Choosing the Right Treatment

Choosing the right treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis: a history of how the injury happened, a physical examination, and imaging such as X-ray or MRI. The plan then considers the type of injury, your age and overall health, and your goals. A torn ACL may need surgery, while a sprained ankle often responds well to therapy. Some people prefer non-surgical options, while others choose surgery for a quicker, more reliable return to activity.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team will examine your imaging and help point you toward effective treatment.
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Common Types Of Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can affect any part of the body. Some of the most common include:

Sprains and strains

Stretched or torn ligaments, muscles, or tendons, such as ankle sprains.

Fractures

Broken bones, such as ankle fractures.

Knee injuries

Meniscus tears, ACL tears, and runner’s knee.

Shoulder injuries

Rotator cuff, labral, and SLAP tears.

Tendon injuries

Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendon ruptures.

Dislocations

A bone forced out of its normal position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common sports injuries?

Sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations are the most common. Specific injuries include ankle sprains, ACL tears, meniscus tears, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder labral tears, and runner's knee.

What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, the tissue that connects bone to bone. A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone.

When should a sports injury be evaluated?

See a specialist for severe pain, rapid swelling, a visible deformity, inability to bear weight, a pop at the time of injury, numbness, or pain that does not improve within a few days.

Do sports injuries need surgery?

Most do not. Many respond to rest, ice, bracing, medication, and physical therapy. Surgery such as ACL reconstruction or rotator cuff repair is considered for severe injuries or when conservative care has not worked.

How long does it take to return to sport?

It depends on the injury. A mild sprain may take days to weeks, while a ligament reconstruction often takes months of rehabilitation. A structured plan reduces the risk of reinjury.

Can sports injuries be prevented?

Warming up, strength and flexibility training, proper technique, appropriate equipment and footwear, and gradual increases in training all reduce the risk.

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

A history of how the injury happened and a physical examination come first. X-rays show fractures, and MRI shows ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and muscles.

Where can I be seen for a sports injury?

Total Spine and Orthopedics treats sports injuries in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule an evaluation.

Signs A Sports Injury Needs Care

See an orthopedic specialist for a sports injury with:

  • Severe pain or pain that does not improve within a few days.
  • Rapid swelling or a pop at the time of injury.
  • Inability to bear weight or use the limb normally.
  • A joint that feels unstable or gives way.
  • Numbness, tingling, or a visible deformity.
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Related Conditions

Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are a common injury to the knee, often caused by twisting or bending the knee forcefully. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and the shin bone. It helps to distribute weight evenly across the knee joint and provides stability.

Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear is a very common condition in the shoulder that can cause recurring pain, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms. When the tissues connecting muscles in the shoulder to bone, commonly known as tendons, become damaged or "torn", it can create a sensation of pain or weakness. The severity and symptoms of the tear can vary depending on what caused the tear to form and other factors.

Runner’s Knee

Runner's knee is a common injury among runners and athletes. It occurs when the knee joint experiences excessive stress or wear and tear, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for runner's knee.

Knee Pain

Knee Pain is a common symptom that can be caused by a wide variety of conditions ranging from sports injuries to tendonitis or certain medical conditions such as arthritis. The best way to determine the exact cause and available treatment methods for your specific situation is to have a diagnosis done by an expert physician such as our team of doctors here at Total Spine.

Hip Pain

The hips are one of the most critical joints in the body, allowing you to do many of your normal daily activities such as walking, standing, and more. This makes it all the more debilitating if pain, numbness, or weakness begins to affect your hips. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, trouble sleeping, and general uncomfortableness when lying on one side or the other are all common indicators of a hip issue that may need to be addressed.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can come from rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, frozen shoulder, or a pinched nerve in the neck, and it can limit sleep and daily tasks.

Joint Pain

Pain in the joints is a very common symptom often experienced in the feet, hips, spine, knees, or hands. In addition to pain, joint stiffness, as well as a burning or throbbing sensation in or near the joints, are also commonly associated with joint-related issues. It is important to note that in many cases the pain or burning sensation may not be constant but can increase or decrease depending on activity.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, and hands.

Hip Labral Tears

A labral tear is an injury to the tissue between the socket and ball portions of the hip joint. This tear can cause a variety of symptoms including intense pain, difficulty moving your hip, and reduced mobility of the hip.

Shoulder Labral Tears

Shoulder labral tears are a common injury that can cause pain and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula), which helps to deepen the socket and stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear in this cartilage can occur due to injury, degeneration, or overuse, causing pain, weakness, and instability in the shoulder.

SLAP Tears

SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears are a type of shoulder injury that affects the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. The labrum helps to stabilize the joint and provides a surface for the shoulder blade to move on. A SLAP tear occurs when the labrum is damaged, usually from a traumatic event such as a fall or a sports injury.

Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, usually from rolling or twisting the ankle. Learn the grades, symptoms, and treatment, and when a sprain needs a specialist.

Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures are common orthopedic injuries that occur when one or more bones in the ankle break. They can result from a traumatic event, such as a fall or a sports injury, or from gradual wear and tear over time. If left untreated, ankle fractures can lead to chronic pain and decreased mobility, making it important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you have sustained an ankle fracture.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is irritation of the tendon at the back of the heel, often from overuse. Learn the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

When A Sports Injury Needs Surgery

The Arthroscopic Advantage

How arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery of the joint compares with traditional open surgery.

Open surgeryArthroscopicMinimally invasive
IncisionOne larger incision to open the joint.A few small incisions for a camera and slim instruments.
Soft tissueMore disruption of muscle and tissue.Less disruption of the surrounding tissue.
VisualizationDirect view through the open incision.A magnified camera view inside the joint.
Hospital stayMay require a hospital stay.Usually outpatient; most patients go home the same day.
Recovery and scarringA longer recovery and a larger scar.Typically less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker start to rehabilitation.

Arthroscopic techniques let many sports injuries be repaired through small incisions, so rehabilitation can start sooner.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Care for every level of athlete

    Whether you are a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, we build a plan around your goals and your sport.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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