Sprains
The stretching or tearing of ligaments, the bands of tissue that connect two bones together within a joint. Sprains are often caused a joint extending beyond its normal range of motion.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, diminished function, and in the case of a ruptured ligament, a popping or cracking sound.
Treatment Options*: R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), physical therapy, bracing for immobilization, and for more serious injuries, surgery to repair ligament tears.
*For more information on sprain, fracture, and soft tissue injury treatments for a specific joint, visit one of the following orthopedic specialty pages: Hip, Knee, Hand/Wrist, Shoulder, Spine, Foot/Ankle, Elbow
Fractures
The partial or complete breaking of bones. Fractures are usually caused by high impact trauma, though less force is required when bones have been weakened due to conditions like osteoporosis.
Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, tenderness, inability to use limb. in the case of severe injury, broken bones may appear visibly misaligned or puncture through the skin in what’s known as an open fracture.
Treatment Options*: Pain relief medication, and immobilization of the fracture with splints, braces, plaster casts, or traction. When surgery is required, metal screws, rods, and plates may be inserted.
*For more information on sprain, fracture, and soft tissue injury treatments for a specific joint, visit one of the following orthopedic specialty pages: Hip, Knee, Hand/Wrist, Shoulder, Spine, Foot/Ankle, Elbow
Soft tissue injuries
Damage to muscles, tendons, cartilage, or ligaments, often resulting from sprains, strains, or overuse.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising or diminished function of the injured joint or limb.
Treatment Options*: R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), physical therapy, bracing for immobilization, corticosteroid injections, and for more serious injuries, surgery to repair tears.
*For more information on sprain, fracture, and soft tissue injury treatments for a specific joint, visit one of the following orthopedic specialty pages: Hip, Knee, Hand/Wrist, Shoulder, Spine, Foot/Ankle, Elbow
Concussions
Brain injuries usually resulting from blows to the head, causing temporary impairment of normal brain function.
Symptoms: Confusion, dizziness, impaired balance, nausea or vomiting, difficulty concentrating, confusion, memory loss, ringing ears, loss of taste or smell, sensitivity to light, prolonged headache
Treatment Options: Rest, acetaminophen for headaches, and following concussion protocol before returning to activity.
Osteoarthritis
The breakdown of the cartilage that coats the ends of bones and joints. Normally, damaged cartilage repairs itself as older cartilage is degraded. When this degradation outpaces repair, cartilage breakdown occurs and damage to bone results.
Symptoms: Pain, tenderness, stiffness, decreased flexibility, a grating sensation during movement, the formation of bone spurs around the affected joint.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Injections
- Physical therapy
Heat Illness
Conditions such as heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Often induced by exercise, these occur when the body’s thermoregulatory system is unable to maintain a healthy core temperature.
Symptoms: Elevation of body temperature, increased sweating, increased thirst, clammy skin, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fainting, dizziness, headache, loss of consciousness.
Treatment Options: Prevention by staying hydrated, encouraging rest, avoiding strenuous activity during peak temperatures, wearing cool, light colored clothing, and using sunscreen. For heat cramps, a combination of rest, hydration and gentle stretching should resolve the condition.
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)
A combination of three conditions found in girls who play sports: energy deficiency or disordered eating; hormonal imbalance or amenorrhea in women (irregular periods); and poor bone health. Overtraining and an insufficient diet due to social, family, and athletic pressures are often the cause of RED-S.
Symptoms: Weight loss, irregular or no periods, fatigue, decreased concentration, stress fractures, brittle hair or nails, low or irregular heart rate, chest pain.
Treatment Options: Multidisciplinary care from physicians, nutritionists, and mental health professionals to improve health and diet and to discuss body image and other stressors.
