Whether you’re an avid runner or a basketball point guard, a sports-related injury can be frustrating. However, you can get back in action with the help from a sports medicine professional who can help you not only overcome the injury, but become stronger from it. Below are three common sports injuries and their symptoms, so you know when to seek medical attention. 

The 3 Most Frequent Sports Injuries 

1. Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments of your ankle, which keep your bones together, become pulled. If you stepped on a player’s foot during a basketball or soccer game and rolled your ankle, you might be diagnosed with an ankle sprain. In addition to feeling pain, signs of an ankle sprain are bruising, cold feet, stiffness, and swelling. Most of the time, ankle sprains will heal on their own within two to 12 weeks. However, if you can’t put weight on your ankle, visit a doctor.

2. Patellofemoral Syndrome

Patellofemoral syndrome is a knee injury that can result from a fall on the knees, muscle imbalance, or knee joint swelling. The kneecap, or the patella, should fall into place at the end of the femur as you move. However, with patellofemoral syndrome, the two muscles that usually control this movement don’t properly guide the kneecap into place. Resting and icing the knee along with strengthening exercises are the best to heal this injury.

3. Tennis Elbow

Those who play golf or tennis often are more susceptible to this injury. Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive movements that involve gripping, which then leads to overuse. Inflammation occurs in the forearm’s tendons that can move down into the wrist and hand. As with patellofemoral syndrome, rest and ice are effective remedies. A sports medicine professional may recommend wearing a brace and performing stretching exercises to release some of the tension in the arm.

Are you dealing with a sports injury? IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health in Honolulu, HI, is dedicated to providing exceptional medical and surgical care so that you can get back to your normal activity level. Their sports medicine team takes a comprehensive approach to get you through an injury by collaborating with both a sports orthopedic surgeon and a functional medicine osteopathic physician. Regardless of your injury’s severity, they’ll provide a customized treatment plan to meet your personal goals. Give them a call at (808) 521-8170 or visit their website to learn more about their leading approach to sports medicine.