Sports Injuries

If you’re highly active or involved in sports, there are a number of common sports injuries that can limit your performance and keep you from the activities you enjoy. At Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Francis Pecoraro, MD, DAPMR, SAAPMR, offers personalized, non-surgical treatment for sports injuries. He can help you achieve a successful recovery and get back to your active lifestyles. To speak with Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC about your sports injury, call the office or book an appointment online today. 

What are some common sports injuries?

In most cases, overuse and trauma involving the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones cause sports injuries. Common sports injuries include:

Sprains

A sprain refers to the overstretching of your ligaments. Ligaments are bands of tough, fibrous tissue that help connect your bones and joints. Your ligaments ensure that your bones and joints don’t twist too much or become dislocated. Sprains are caused by aggressive twisting, overextensions, and awkward landings on jumps or falls. Sprains are most common in the ankles. 

Strains

Although strains are often mistaken for sprains, strains involve overstretching of the muscles and tendons. 

Tendons are fibrous tissue that connect your muscles to bone. The muscles and tendons can become overstretched as a result of heavy lifting and stress caused by repetitive motions. If left untreated, the muscles and tendons can continue to stretch, eventually leading to a tear. 

Overuse injuries

Overuse injuries are soft-tissue injuries caused by repetitive and/or excessive motions. Overuse injuries can affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as your bones. 

Common overuse injuries include:

• Jumper’s knee
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow 
• Runner's knee
• Shin splints
• Spondylolysis

In some cases, overuse injuries can lead to stress fractures or small cracks in your bones. Stress fractures are most common in the feet. 

When should I see a doctor for my sports injury?

Although you can treat minor sports injuries with at-home measures, you should seek medical attention at Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, if your symptoms become severe or if you have difficulty bearing weight on the affected area.

Dr. Pecoraro helps patients find the right treatment for a speedy, effective recovery. 

During your appointment, he performs a thorough health evaluation and works with you to develop a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan. 

How are sports injuries treated?

Treatment for your sports injury depends on your diagnosis. Dr. Pecoraro uses your health evaluation, which includes a physical exam, imaging tests, and discussion of your medical history, to determine the underlying cause of your condition. 

Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include:

• Rest/activity restrictions
• Heat and ice therapy
• Brace or sling
• Non-opioid Medication
• Strengthening and flexibility exercises
• Steroid injections
• Radiofrequency Ablation
• Physical therapy

Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, offers personalized, comprehensive interventional pain management.

To find out which treatment is right for your sports injury, call the office or request an appointment online today.