Sports medicine deals with the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. It is best for athletes to consult a sports medicine specialist so they can ensure they are getting the best treatment and can return to their active lifestyles as soon as possible. A sports medicine specialist can also help athletes prevent future injuries. So what should you expect at a sports medicine appointment? We discuss each step of the process below, from making an appointment to recovery!
How Do I Make a Sports Medicine Appointment in Knoxville?
At ORTHOKnox orthopedic clinic in Knoxville, TN, we strive to offer the best sports medicine care. Our on-site physical therapists, board-certified surgeon, and dedicated physician assistant work together to return our patients to their sports and active lifestyles. You can call us at (865) 251-3030 or fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form to make an appointment.
We also offer same day appointments, when available, for sports injuries that need immediate attention. You can skip the ER germs and wait and head straight to our office to be diagnosed and treated by a specialist. At our orthopedic clinic, you can immediately receive expert care and X-rays on-site.
What Sports Injuries Do You Treat?
The most common sports injuries that we treat are ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, fractures, and SLAP tears. But our surgeon and sports medicine team can diagnose and treat injuries involving bones, muscles, joints, and surrounding tissues.
How Will My Sports Injury Be Diagnosed?
In general, your doctor will evaluate the following when diagnosing your sports injury:
- Pain level and location,
- If you had sudden or gradual pain, and
- How you were injured.
Then, your provider will perform a physical exam of your injury to evaluate swelling, redness, trauma, aches, and bruising. They may test your weight-bearing capabilities, joint movement, and strength around the injured area.
Some injuries may be able to be diagnosed with history and physical exam alone, but most will also require imaging, such as an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound. Your doctor will determine your diagnosis based on your imaging results and discuss your treatment options with you.
What Sort of Sports Injury Treatment and Rehabilitation Should I Expect?
Your treatment will depend on your injury and can range from rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) with physical therapy to surgery. Some of our most common sports injury treatments are discussed here.
We often perform ACL reconstruction surgeries, which are common among soccer, football, lacrosse, and basketball players because these sports involve the most pivoting and changing of direction during play. Rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction ranges from 3–6 months before you are cleared to return to sports. See our guide on physical therapy after ACL surgery here!
Do You Provide Preventive Care?
Yes! We are available for sports medicine consultations in Knoxville and to help with injury prevention. See our blog on sports injury prevention here!
Did we miss something? Feel free to contact us here or call us anytime with questions at (865) 251-3030. We look forward to hearing from you!