Sports Injuries Specialist

What sports injuries are most common?

The most common sports injuries are strains and sprains.

Strains are sometimes called “pulled muscles.” They happen when you injure a muscle or a tendon, which connects muscle to bone.

Sprains, on the other hand, are injured ligaments, which are band-like tissues that connect the bones within a joint. With both strains and sprains, injury can include overstretching, partial tearing, or complete tearing of the soft tissues.

Dr. Millstein treats a variety of sports injuries, including:

• Fractures and sprains
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Foot and ankle injuries
• Hand and upper extremity injuries
• Pectoralis and triceps tendon ruptures

Whether you’re a first-time patient, or you need a second opinion, Dr. Millstein can examine your sports-related injury and provide a customized treatment plan for your specific needs.

How are sports injuries treated?

Mild strains and sprains can be initially treated at home using the PRICE method:

Protection

Use a splint, brace, or tape to prevent further injury and protect the area until it can be evaluated by a medical professional.

Rest

Stay off of the injured area and restrict activity. For lower extremity injuries, a crutch can help.

Ice

Apply crushed ice or a cold pack to the injured area for 10-20 minutes at a time, three or more times per day.

Compression

Put pressure on the area using a wrap or bandage. Don’t wrap it so tightly that it causes tingling or numbness.

Elevation

To minimize swelling, try to keep the injured area above the level of your heart.

The PRICE method can help reduce pain and swelling, especially after an injury first occurs. However, if you notice excessive swelling, deformities in the joint or bone, or if the injury isn’t getting any better after a few days of the PRICE method, it’s best to make an appointment with Dr. Millstein as soon as possible.

Can sports injuries be prevented?

Many sports injuries are out of your control. However, sometimes sports injuries can be avoided with warm ups and stretching before workouts. It’s also a good idea to exercise regularly, so that weekend activities aren’t so different from your daily routine.

You don’t have to wait for a sports injury to see Dr. Millstein. Because he focuses on preventive care and general health, you can make an appointment if you have an active lifestyle, if you’re experiencing even a minor issue, or if you have questions about starting or changing your exercise routine.

To learn more, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.