When Your Injury Might Need a Sports Medicine Specialist

Sports medicine specialists are professionals with specialized education in musculoskeletal situations and the scientific issues of athletic individuals. When you think of sports medicine doctors, you may think they are only for professional athletes.

That is not true; they are for anyone who is active in any sporting activities and has sustained a sports-related injury qualifies to see a sports medicine specialist—heck, even slipping on ice, falling, and damaging your knee benefits seeing a sports medicine doctor. Sports medicine professionals address ailments caused by plain old physical activity, including tripping over an outside wire and tearing your ACL or falling off your mountain bike and springing your wrist or ankle. They also deal with such conditions as osteoarthritis and tendinitis.

When Should You Seek One?

So, when should you seek one out? When seeing your primary health practitioner for your injury, they might refer you to one if they think the damage requires specialized care. The problem with many sports injuries is that we don’t even bother a doctor. At the time, the injury seemed minor, and doctors ordered rest, ice, compression, and elevation when a deeper issue could be lying there unseen. Take note of these five signs after getting a sports injury that may hint that you should see a sports medicine doctor.

1. Weakness in the Injured Area

One good sign is if you still cannot put any weight on the injured area at the time of injury or after healing, seeking a sports medicine doctor may be a good idea.

      2. Redness and Swelling

Continued or onset of redness and swelling around the injured area is definitely a sign that requires a sports doctor’s attention.

     3. Pain is Worsening

If your pain worsens, goes away, and comes back, it might be a sign the Best Sports Medicine Doctor around is needed.

     4. You Play Sports

Sure, you are not in the NBA or NFL, but if you actively participate in any hardcore sports activities daily, it is a given you should see a sports medicine doctor. They aren’t only for when you are injured, as they can also help work with you to prevent them.

     5. Previous Sports-Related Injury

Have a previous sports injury that has left you not quite the same. That’s what a sports medicine doctor is here for. Some injuries result in lingering effects. A sports medicine doctor knows how to treat them and help you come back better than before.

In the end, if you have been researching sports medicine doctors, then it’s an overall good telltale sign. Only you know your body, but seeing a sports physician is never a choice one will regret.