Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Spring 2019

Game changers 3 common sports injuries you should know about S ports injuries can result from accidents, poor conditioning or overuse. “Sports medicine focuses on providing the quickest rehabilitation,” says Lake Regional Orthopedic Surgeon Ryan Morris, D.O. “That’s important for athletes, but it’s also important for anybody who is active, including patients who need to get back to work.” Here are three common injuries that every athlete, from weekend warriors to the pros, should know about. Ankle sprains Sprains occur when your foot rolls abnormally. This stretches ligaments — tissues that hold bones and joints in place — sometimes causing them to tear. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, decreased range of motion and ankle instability. Treatment typically includes RICE — rest, ice, compression and elevation. Severe sprains may require immobilizing your ankle. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears The ACL is in the middle of the knee and provides stabilization. ACL tears often occur in intense sports, such as football, soccer and basketball. Symptoms may include a popping sound and a feeling that your knee has given out; tenderness; discomfort while walking; loss of range of motion; and pain with swelling. Treatment usually includes surgery. Bracing the knee and physical therapy are often involved, as well. Rotator cuff tears Your rotator cuff is made up of four muscles. It keeps your arm in your shoulder socket and makes lifting and rotating the arm possible. Repetitive shoulder movements raise your risk for this injury. Symptoms may include sudden, intense pain; pain at rest or when lifting or lowering your arm; weakness when lifting or rotating your arm; and a crackling sensation with certain arm movements. Treatment often involves rest, avoiding activities that aggravate the injury, strengthening exercises and medication. Sometimes, surgery is needed. Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Ryan Morris, D.O. lakeregional.com 9 GET BACK IN THE GAME Don’t let a sports injury keep you sidelined. Check out lakeregional.com/ sportsmedicine or call 573-302-3990 to learn more about our services. • Arthritis • Back, knee and shoulder pain • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Fractures, sprains and strains • Osteoporosis • Overuse injuries If pain or a medical condition is affecting how you move through life, ask your doctor about physical therapy. It might help restore the motion you’ve been missing. Move like you should. Get your mobility, balance and flexibility back. To learn about our physical therapy program, visit lakeregional.com/pt . Source: American Physical Therapy Association