It can happen to any athlete: You’re giving it your all at practice or during a game when all of a sudden, you twist your ankle or fall the wrong way. You’ve experienced a sports injury. You may be thinking about booking an appointment with a doctor that specializes in sports medicine — but you’ve got a few questions first.
Carolinas Center for Surgery has answers.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Sports Medicine
How Does Sports Medicine Differ From Orthopedics?
The number one difference between these two medical professions is the conditions they treat. Whereas sports medicine focuses on the treatment of sports injuries, orthopedic medicine is dedicated to the treatment of the entire musculoskeletal system — from spine diseases to tumors and beyond.
Why Should I Choose a Sports Medicine Specialist?
Sports medicine specialists have extra training in the subspecialty of surgical sports medicine. That means they’ve amassed a great deal of experience treating athletes, so they’re used to addressing sprains, fractures, and other injuries.
What Kinds of Injuries Can Sports Medicine Treat?
The most common athletic injuries treated by sports medicine doctors are tendon tears, collateral ligament injuries, meniscus tears, bursitis, muscle strains and sprains, rotator cuff injuries, and more.
Should I Seek Treatment Right Away?
After an injury, many athletes attempt to keep training for the big game or race without consulting a sports medicine specialist. However, there may be more to an injury than meets the eye. A sports medicine doctor can diagnose your injury and help put you on the path to recovery.
Will I Make a Full Recovery After My Treatment?
Returning to a sport after an injury can be a long and difficult process, and every injury is unique. Depending on the injury, you should be able to make a full recovery after undergoing treatment from a sports medicine specialist. Just remember: Give your body time to heal, or you’ll run the risk of reinjury.
Seek Sports Medicine Specialists in Jacksonville, NC
Ready to get back in the game? Schedule an appointment at Carolinas Center for Surgery, serving Morehead City and Jacksonville, North Carolina. Our expert team will assess your injury and guide you toward the most effective treatment for a successful recovery.