From an interview with
Dr. Art Jordan
McLeod Orthopaedics – Florence

Every year, millions of teenagers participate in high school sports. When a sports injury occurs, it is important to quickly seek proper medical treatment. To ensure the best possible recovery, athletes, coaches, and parents must follow safe guidelines for returning to the game. McLeod Orthopaedics sports medicine specialist Dr. Art Jordan tells us more:

“Student athletes often experience joint sprains and muscle strains. Pain is the body’s way of telling us to change what we’re doing,” says Dr. Jordan. “Every injury should be rehabilitated fully before returning to sports and to prevent future problems. Just because it doesn’t hurt anymore is not an indication that everything is better.” 

Acute injuries are caused by a sudden trauma. Examples of trauma include collisions with obstacles on the field or between players. Common acute injuries among young athletes include contusions (bruises), sprains (a partial or complete tear of a ligament), strains (a partial or complete tear of a muscle or tendon), fractures (broken bones) and concussions.

However, not all injuries are caused by a single, sudden twist, fall, or collision. Overuse injuries occur gradually over time, when an athletic activity is repeated so often that parts of the body do not have enough time to heal between playing.

Overuse injuries can affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, and growth plates. For example:

• Overhand pitching in baseball can be associated with injuries to the elbow.
• Swimming is often associated with injuries to the shoulder.
• Gymnastics and cheerleading are two common activities associated with injuries to the wrist and elbow.

“Initial management of an injury should include RICE, rest, ice, compression, and elevation,” explains Dr. Jordan. “Athletes should stop the activity, rest, and ice the injured area. I suggest using a compression wrap to decrease swelling and to provide support. Also, elevate the injured body part to decrease swelling. It is best to catch injuries early to allow for the proper diagnosis and to prevent further injury.” 

For more information, speak to a sports medicine specialist near you.