Sports Medicine

ANKLE SPRAINS – Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe, depending on how badly the ligament is damaged and how many ligaments are injured.  All ankle sprains involve twisting of the foot, causing damage to the ligaments of the ankle. Even though ankle sprains are common, that does not mean they are always minor injuries. Some people with repeated or severe sprains can develop long-term joint pain and weakness. Treating a sprained ankle can help prevent ongoing ankle problems.

 ACHILLES INJURIES – Achilles tendon injuries are common in athletes playing tennis, basketball, and soccer, as well as other sports involving running and jumping. A common foot and ankle condition we see and treat at Cape Fear Orthopedics is Achilles tendinitis; a condition that affects the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendinitis typically occurs because of overuse (often sports-related) and degeneration or wearing down with age and time.

ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES – Rotator cuff injuries that happen as a result of overuse are most common in older individuals and athletes competing in sports such as baseball, tennis, basketball, golf, and swimming. Tears resulting from trauma are typically attributed to falls or collision sports such as football, lacrosse, and ice hockey. It is also very common to tear one or more of the rotator cuff tendons when you dislocate your shoulder.

DISLOCATION – A dislocated shoulder can result from a variety of situations that involve impact to the shoulder. The most common sports causes of dislocation are football and hockey.  Without proper and thorough rehab, you risk another shoulder dislocation. The professional physical therapists at Cape Fear Orthopedics and Sports Medicine can provide proper rehab and help you get back in the game after a partial or complete shoulder dislocation.

LABRAL TEARS – The shoulder is often injured during throwing sports such as baseball or football.  “SLAP tear” is actually an acronym, meaning Superior Labral Tear from Anterior to Posterior. With a SLAP tear specifically, the top portion of the labrum; where the labrum attaches to the bicep tendon is injured.

FROZEN SHOULDER – Frozen shoulder is pain, stiffness, and/or limited range of movement in your shoulder. Any shoulder problem can lead to a frozen shoulder if you do not work to keep a full range of motion.

BICEP/TRICEP INJURIES – Bicep tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the biceps muscle. It often occurs from the result of a repetitive motion overuse caused by repeated overhead motion. Sports that increase your risk of bicep tendonitis include swimming, baseball, and tennis.

THROWING ATHLETE INJURIES – Repetitive overhead throwing motion means high, extension load to the athlete’s elbow and shoulder.  Common throwing shoulder injuries include labral tears, bursitis, and tendonitis; whereas common throwing elbow injuries are ligament tears and tendonitis.

ACL – The ACL is one of the most common of all sports injuries.  ACL injuries most commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction; such as soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, and skiing. Many people have described feeling a “pop” in the knee when an ACL injury occurs. It becomes painful to bear weight and the knee feels unstable.

MENISCAL TEAR – Meniscus tears can occur when you play sports. A meniscus tear is usually caused by turning quickly, with the foot planted and the knee is bent. A meniscal tear can inhibit your knee from working correctly and cause pain.

CARTILAGE INJURY – Most cartilage injuries occur in either the knee or shoulder. Cartilage injuries are difficult to diagnose with a physical exam alone and an MRI may be necessary in order to diagnose.

LABRAL TEARS – Hip labral tears are a common injury, either the result of playing sports, from certain professions or the result of chronic conditions. Hip labrum tears most often occur in sports that engage in sharp movements including soccer, basketball, and football. Hip pain will limit a person’s mobility, therefore it important to learn how to treat a labral tear with non-surgical options or explore the minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures in order to get relief.

IMPINGEMENT – Hip impingement results when the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly, causing restricted motion. In turn, this damages cartilage and can later cause a labral tear, resulting in pain and further damage.

BURSITIS – Bursitis is caused by inflammation of a bursa, a small jelly-like sac that usually contains a small amount of fluid. The main symptom of hip bursitis is pain at the point of the hip and the pain extends to the outside of the thigh. A physical therapist can teach you how to stretch your hip muscles and use other treatments such as ice or heat to find relief.