At UpCare Clinics, we handle a wide variety of sports injuries on patients from all ages. Many of our patients come to see us for attention for acute injuries, like broken bones, ankle sprains, and overextended joints, that can happen in a moment while playing their favorite sport. Additionally, chronic conditions can often develop over a lifetime playing a sport. We see patients who come in for tennis elbow or turf toe, just to name a few. If you suspect that your condition may be due to your sport, please be sure to mention that to your provider so we can develop an appropriate treatment or referral plan that will get you back to your sport as quickly as possible.

There are several common symptoms that our team in Olathe, KS often sees with sports injuries. These include:

• Pain: This could be a sudden, sharp pain during an activity or a persistent, dull ache that's present even at rest.
• Swelling: Swelling is your body's way of protecting the injured area. It's often accompanied by warmth and redness.
• Limited range of motion: Difficulty or inability to fully move a joint is another sign of a sports injury. This can be due to pain, swelling, or damage to the joint itself.
• Weakness: An injury might make it challenging to use the affected body part effectively, leading to a sense of weakness or instability.
• Visible deformities: In severe cases, injuries like fractures or dislocations might lead to visible abnormalities, such as a bone protruding or a joint looking out of place.
• Tenderness: An injured area may be sensitive to touch or pressure, indicating underlying damage.
• Bruising: If blood vessels are damaged, you might notice bruising around the injury site.

Our primary care practitioners have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries. During your appointment, we will gather information from you, including a description of your injury, how it happened, your pain level, past injury information, and more. An x-ray may be necessary to determine whether the injury is a sprain, fracture, or dislocation. Depending on the injury, we may suggest you follow up with a specialist for further care.

Your recovery timeline will vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the injury. Minor injuries can heal within days to weeks, while severe injuries may take months or require regenerative therapies.

The most common sports injuries include sprains and strains, which affect ligaments and muscles. Knee injuries, such as ACL tears, are frequent, as are fractures and dislocations. Repetitive motion injuries like tennis elbow, and specific conditions like shin splints, concussions, and Achilles tendon injuries, are also prevalent. These injuries can result from overuse, lack of proper technique, or acute trauma during physical activity.

Sports injuries can often be prevented by following proper training guidelines such as warming up before activity and cooling down afterwards. Utilizing the correct equipment, practicing proper technique, and engaging in regular conditioning exercises can minimize risks. Monitoring your body for signs of overuse and giving yourself ample time to recover are essential for reducing the likelihood of sustaining a sports injury.