Sports injuries and fractures are common among athletes and active individuals. Proper treatment is crucial for a full recovery, whether it’s a minor sprain or a severe fracture. Our clinic has experienced orthopedic doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating these injuries, ensuring patients regain mobility and strength as quickly as possible.
Read on to learn more about the different ways in which orthopedic surgeons treat sports injuries and fractures.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Sports Injuries
Not all sports injuries require surgery. Many can be managed with non-invasive treatments, which help reduce pain and promote healing.
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): This is often the first step in treating mild injuries like sprains and strains. Resting the injured area, applying ice, using compression, and keeping it elevated can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises are essential for restoring strength and flexibility. An orthopedic doctor in Newtown at The Newtown Clinic may recommend targeted exercises to speed up recovery.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers help manage discomfort and swelling.
- Braces and Supports: For ligament injuries, braces or splints provide stability while the tissues heal.
Surgical Treatments for Severe Sports Injuries
When non-surgical methods aren’t enough, surgery may be necessary to restore function and prevent long-term damage.
- Arthroscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure is used for joint injuries, such as torn ligaments (ACL, meniscus tears) or cartilage damage. A tiny camera and specialized tools are inserted through small incisions to repair the injury.
- Ligament Reconstruction: Torn ligaments, like the ACL in the knee, often require reconstruction using grafts from the patient’s tissue or a donor.
- Tendon Repair: Ruptured tendons, such as the Achilles tendon, may need surgical repair to restore normal function.
Fracture Treatment: From Simple Breaks to Complex Cases
Fractures vary in severity, and treatment depends on the type and location of the break.
- Casting and Splinting: Simple fractures, where the bones remain aligned, can heal with a cast or splint to immobilize the area.
- Closed Reduction: If the bone is misaligned, an orthopedic doctor may perform a closed reduction, manually repositioning the bone before applying a cast.
- Surgical Fixation: Severe fractures, where bones are displaced or broken into multiple pieces, may require surgery. Metal plates, screws, or rods are used to stabilize the bone and ensure proper healing.
- External Fixation: In complex cases, an external frame holds the bones in place while they heal.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
No matter the treatment method, recovery plays a crucial role in healing. Orthopedic specialists provide personalized rehabilitation plans, including:
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises to restore mobility
- Pain Management: Medications, heat therapy, and other techniques to ease discomfort
- Gradual Return to Activity: Athletes receive guidance on safely resuming sports to prevent re-injury
Conclusion
From minor sprains to severe fractures, orthopedic surgeons use a combination of non-surgical and surgical treatments to help patients recover. If you’ve suffered a sports injury, consulting an experienced orthopedic doctor in Newtown at The Newtown Clinic is the best way to ensure proper healing and a safe return to activity.