Sports Injuries: How to Tell If It's a Sprain or a Strain

Sports Injuries: How to Tell If It's a Sprain or a Strain

Athletes tend to suffer from a number of injuries, including those that affect their spines, necks, shoulders, wrists, hips, knees, and feet. Some of the most common sports injuries include sprains and strains—both of which can be treated by an orthopedic surgeon in Arizona. However, very few people have a clear understanding of the difference between these two injuries.

Sprains

A sprain refers to a tearing or stretching of a ligament, or the fibrous bands of tissue that connect the ends of your bones and support and stabilize the joints within your body. Sprains are often the result of bodily trauma that overstretches the joint or knocks it out of position. In some cases, a sprain may be caused by a rupture of the supporting ligaments. The most common causes of sprains include falls or direct blows to the body. While the signs of a sprain may vary from patient to patient, the most common symptoms of a sprain include bruising, swelling, pain, and inflammation.

Strains

Unlike a sprain, a strain refers to an injury of a tendon or muscle and is often the result of repetitive, prolonged movements of the tendons and muscles. In some cases, chronic strains may be caused by a direct blow to the body, excessive muscle contraction, overstretching, or lack of rest between periods of intense physical activity. The most common symptoms of strains include muscle spasms, muscle weakness, swelling, inflammation, cramping, and pain.

The best ways to avoid both sprains and strains are to wear properly fitting shoes, perform stretching exercises on a daily basis, and warm up before participating in any type of sports activity. It is also a good idea to nourish your muscles by following a proper diet and conditioning your body to build muscle strength.

Whether you’re suffering from a sprain or strain, the orthopedic surgeons with The Orthopedic Clinic Association, also known as "TOCA",  are here to help. Visit our website or contact us at (602) 277-6211 to set up a consultation.

TOCA Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Program is the first accredited program in the state of Arizona!

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has officially accredited the new TOCA / Banner Good Samaritan Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Program! 

TOCA Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Program is the first accredited program in the state of Arizona!  This is an honor to be recognized as a center of excellence for training future Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeons.

Congratulations to our Program Director, Anikar Chhabra, MD MS, Tom Carter, MD and Evan Lederman, MD as well as TOCA, Banner Good Samaritan, and ASU faculty.

What do Orthopedic Doctors Do?

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine focused on injuries to the musculoskeletal system, including spine and joint injuries or deformities. There are multiple branches of orthopedics, including orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, physical therapists, orthopedic pediatricians. They work in small, specialized practices, in larger, less specialized practices, or in hospitals.

Orthopedic doctors treat broken bones, joint problems, like arthritis, and degenerative conditions, like osteoporosis. They also treat sports injuries, infections, congenital conditions, and tumors in the bones. The work depends on what specialty a doctor chooses, or by where they choose to practice medicine.

The education and training to become an orthopedic doctor lasts about 13 years, with eight years of schooling (both undergraduate and postgraduate), and five years of residency. During this time, an orthopedic doctor chooses a specialty to study. This could be a focus the bones of a particular body part, such as the hand, musculoskeletal oncology, joint replacement, or any of the other numerous branches of orthopedics.

The typical work week for an orthopedic doctor lasts 50-55 hours. Most of this time will be spent seeing patients, either in a clinic or in surgery. They may also be asked to consult on other cases. Some of this time will be spent doing paperwork or other administrative duties. An orthopedic doctor will also spend time reading medical journals, or doing other types of research, to keep up to date on the latest information about bone and joint care.

Common Winter Sports Injuries

Common winter sports injuries include sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures. Many of these injuries happen at the end of the day, when people overexert themselves to finish that one last run before the day's end. A majority of these injuries can easily be prevented if participants prepare for their sport by keeping in good physical condition, staying alert, and stopping when they are tired or in pain.

There are many things you can do to help prevent injury during favorite winter activities.

• Keep in shape and condition muscles before participating in winter activities.
• Warm up thoroughly before playing or participating. Cold muscles, tendons, and ligaments are vulnerable to injury.
• Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding.
• Check that equipment is working properly prior to use.
• Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. 
• Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are participating.
• Take a lesson (or several) from a qualified instructor, especially in sports like skiing and snow boarding. Learning how to fall correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury.
• Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature to ensure safety.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after activities.
• Avoid participating in sports when you are in pain or exhausted.

Want To Learn More About How To Treat Sports Injuries?

Personalized care is essential to orthopedic medicine because the same injury may affect individual patients much differently. At TOCA, we provide compassionate care to fit the needs of each patient. Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today by calling (602) 277-6211.

• Learn the top 10 sports injuries among athletes at FoxNews.com. 
  
• The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases explains how sports injuries are treated. 
  
• Get some tips on stretching to prevent an athletic injury from Livestrong.com. 
  
• If you want to learn what physical therapy does, then read this WebMD.com article.

stretching sports injuries Physical Therapy

What Are The Benefits Of Seeing A Sports Medicine Specialist?

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A sports injury can be a career-ending accident if the proper measures are not taken.  It is important to seek out quality orthopedic services for performance-related injuries. A sports medicine specialist is familiar with treatment for common injuries and is able to provide customized care to facilitate optimum rehabilitation. Here are some of the reasons that you should find an orthopedic specialist who has a focus in sports medicine:

• Reduced chances of long-term injury: Many sports accidents result in strains and sprains that can lead to chronic pain if not treated properly. Sports medicine incorporates immediate treatment with prolonged solutions to restore and strengthen affected muscles, bones, and connective tissues.

• Improved performance: Aside from providing care for injuries, physicians who specialize in sports medicine can recommend techniques for enhancing your athletic abilities and offer solutions to keep you in your best physical shape. This will help you train more effectively, which will result in a stronger performance when it counts. 
  
• Injury prevention: When it comes to sports injuries, prevention is the most effective way to avoid long term problems. Your physician can recommend a skilled trainer to help you get the most out of your practice and performances without risking physical damage to your body. Additionally, athletes who have previously experienced injuries are more likely to suffer another performance-related accident. Working with a sports medicine specialist can help you prevent a secondary injury with expert advice and advanced medical treatment.

If you are an athlete in the Phoenix area, then contact The Orthopedic Clinic Association. We have a diverse staff of orthopedic surgeons and specialists who serve the Suns, the Mercury, and many of Arizona State University’s sports teams. Learn about our advanced imaging, bracing, and physical therapy on our website or call us at (602) 277-6211.

Running Shoe Essentials

Feet come in all shapes and sizes. Consequently, running shoes need to be individualized for each runner. In general, common foot types include flat feet, high arches, neutral foot type, pronators, or supinators. There are several ways to determine your foot type. The footprint test allows you to look at an outline of your feet. Many running stores have computerized footplates and video analysis to determine foot type. Additionally, inspecting your running shoes is an accurate way to determine your foot type and strike pattern. Knowing about your foot type is critical to picking out running shoes.

There are several different categories of running shoes. In addition to fitting your foot type, you should also consider your training needs and injury history. Motion Control Shoes are rigid and durable and control pronation. Barefoot Running Shoes have recently gained popularity. Those who prefer these use them for comfort, and feel cushioned running shoes are harmful. Trail Running Shoes have increased threads, and help with difficult surfaces. Stability Running Shoes are the most common. They have moderate support and are made for neutral foot types without significant flexibility. Cushioned Shoes are typically used for high arches without significant pronation.

Running shoes should be replaced between 300-600 miles, depending on running style, terrain, and weight. It is helpful to alternate shoes to prevent wear and decrease stresses on your feet. Avoid blisters by not wearing new shoes on long runs. Consult a running shoe specialist to determine what shoe is the best for your needs to improve performance and decrease the risk of injury.

- Dr. Anikar Chhabra, M.D., M.S.