“Injury”— a word dreaded by any athlete. Regardless of its cause, an injury can dash the training hopes of even the toughest sportsman, keep them from reaching their full potential, and even hurt their economic stability.
It stands to reason that if you hurt yourself during your training or the actual game, it is imperative to seek medical care no matter how minor your injury might seem. Delaying treatment for some types of injuries can lead to long-term or even serious complications, which can have a detrimental effect on not only your athletic career but also your overall health and quality of life.
Discussed below are the different types of injuries and their potential complications—the specific reasons you should not wait to seek treatment when you experience their symptoms.
Acute Injuries
Acute injuries are those that are sudden in onset and caused by a direct blow, penetrating trauma, fall, or abrupt movements, such as bending a limb, jerking, or twisting.
Common acute injuries include the following:
- Cartilage tears
- Dislocations
- Fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Wounds and lacerations
Acute injuries are quite easy to recognize: you first experience pain (which is often sharp or shooting, or one that worsens with movement), then comes the following symptoms:
- Deformity
- Joint instability
- Numbness and/or tingling sensation
- Stiffness or restricted movement
- Swelling, tenderness, and/or bruising at the site of injury
An acute injury may seem like a “one-off” thing, but it does warrant appropriate medical care. Untreated wounds and lacerations, for instance, can result in infection and may require prolonged and complicated treatment.
Moreover, a fracture, without proper medical intervention, can result in a nonunion or delayed union. In the former case, your broken bone doesn’t heal at all, meaning it will stay broken and cause deformity, chronic pain, and loss of function in the affected area down the line. An untreated fracture can also cause permanent damage to any of the adjacent nerves, causing chronic difficulty controlling movement, and reduced sensitivity.
Chronic Injuries
Unlike acute injuries, chronic injuries develop over time, as a result of overuse or repetitive motion. Also referred to as overuse injuries, they can worsen with improper technique or poor biomechanics.
Chronic injuries are common among people involved in the following sports:
- Tennis
- Golf
- Swimming
- Long-distance running
- Cycling
Examples of chronic sports injuries include the following:
- Bursitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures
- Tendonitis
Though symptoms of chronic injuries can vary from person to person, they generally include the following:
- Crepitus (popping or cracking sensation)
- Dull ache during rest
- Minor or localized swelling
- Pain during activity
- Swelling
- Tightness
- Weakness
Ignoring chronic injuries can cause a lifetime of discomfort, which can greatly affect your sense of well-being and wreak havoc on your mental health, triggering anxiety, depression, or other related issues.
Sports Medicine Physicians in Lauderdale Lakes and Pembroke Pines, FL
At Total Orthopaedic Care, our sports medicine physicians provide exceptional care and deliver unmatched treatment outcomes for the entire range of injuries affecting athletes of all ages.
We offer physical therapy, PRP and biologic therapies, advanced arthroscopic procedures, and many other innovative nonsurgical and surgical treatments—all geared toward helping athletes successfully regain their normal function and continue their pursuit of unlocking their highest potential.
To consult one of our sports medicine physicians, call us at (954) 735-3535. Alternatively, you may use this convenient appointment request form, and our scheduler will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
