Sports Medicine

Athletes of every sport rely on stable ankles and feet for peak performance. If you are unbalanced when you (or someone else) land on your foot or twist an ankle, you may need an orthopedic specialist to evaluate the injury.

A concussion is a brain injury that disrupts normal brain function and is usually caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head or body. A person does not have to be knocked out or have memory loss to have suffered a concussion. In fact, most people who suffer an activity-related concussion do not lose consciousness.

Elbow pain can occur from an abrupt injury such as a fall or a sharp pull, or from repetitive motions such as those used in racquet sports.

Hip pain can be caused by a number of different reasons from traumatic injuries, overuse, and underlying conditions like arthritis. Depending on the cause of your hip pain, treatment can include physical therapy, weight loss, ice, heat, medications and joint replacement.

Sports injuries to the knee are very common and can range from mild to severe. The complex motions that athletes perform involving the knee joint - repeated twisting or pivoting, frequent stopping and starting, or swift directional changes - can cause damage to both cartilage and ligaments.

Athletes are more likely to feel shoulder pain if their sport requires repetitive motion. Volleyball and football players, swimmers and racquet-sport enthusiasts can suffer a sudden injury, or develop shoulder pain from overuse that causes inflammation or a tissue tear.

Sprains, strains and tendonitis are common injuries that can affect all areas of the body. Learn what athletes can do to prevent these injuries and how to care for them when they do occur.

The wrist, hand, and fingers are vulnerable to injury in many competitive and contact sports, and injuries occur even when using protective gear.