Whether it’s baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, tennis, or golf in the warmer months or football, hockey, or skiing in the fall and winter, active Rochester, New York residents – both young and old – love to participate in sports year-round.
Most of these activities are relatively safe, especially when the proper attire is worn and necessary precautions are taken. However, some are more physical than others, posing a greater risk of all sorts of injuries.
Among the most common sports injuries that can result in a trip to your nearest urgent care center include the following:
- Sprains and strains – Whether mild, moderate, or severe, these are the most common types of painful sports injuries. The difference between the two is that a sprain involves the stretching or tearing of a ligament – the fibrous tissue connecting bone to bone – and a strain involves the stretching or tearing of a muscle or a tendon, which is what connects a muscle to a bone. Sprained ankles, bicep tendonitis, and strained hamstring and groin muscles occur most often in sports that include running, jumping, use of the shoulders, or halting and springing into action abruptly.
- Achilles tear/tendonitis – Most common among runners and athletes who frequently run and jump, this type of injury occurs when the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle area becomes inflamed and painful. The tear or inflammation can happen from overuse or stress exacerbated by not wearing proper running shoes. The tendon can tear either partially or fully, but a full tear may require surgery.
- Shin splints – Runners often develop this condition which causes pain on the inside of the shins. It is due to overuse and frequent impact on the tibia (front lower-leg bone). If the athlete does not treat or rest the leg in order to heal properly, the bone can develop stress fractures.
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow – Clinically known as epicondylitis, this type of sports injury tends to occur as the result of poor swing, causing pain in the elbow. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow, whereas golfer’s elbow occurs inside the elbow.
- Rotator cuff tendonitis or torn rotator cuff – Any repetitive athletic motions, such as throwing or pitching a baseball or an overhead serve in tennis, can lead to tendonitis and tears in the muscles and tendons that help move and stabilize your shoulder. You may be prone to this injury if your upper back and core muscles aren’t strong enough and are overcompensating, thus resulting in a tear or inflammation – which can cause chronic pain.
- Fractures – Fast-paced activities such as skiing or aggressive contact sports such as football or ice hockey can easily result in a broken bone. This type of sports injury happens most often to the arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, and toes.
- Concussion – Whether playing soccer, football, hockey, or boxing – with or without protective gear – you’re likely to receive a blow to the head, which could potentially cause traumatic brain injury (TBI). Whiplash resulting in a neck injury is also a concern when taking the force of an impact.
- Back injuries – Running, golfing, and playing tennis can all result in mild to severe back pain caused by strained muscles, torn ligaments, pinched nerves, or herniated discs.
Sports Injury Urgent Care in Rochester, New York
Many sports injuries can be prevented with proper physical conditioning, protective gear, and by avoiding overexertion. Nevertheless, if you sustain a sports injury requiring immediate or prompt attention, it’s good to know that Cornerstone Urgent Care Center is here to provide comprehensive and effective treatment, serving the greater Rochester, New York community.
Our doctors and experienced medical staff are available 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm, and no appointment is necessary. We provide compassionate care for the entire family. So, call us at (585) 207-0088 or just walk in. You can also send us a message here. We’ll get you off the sidelines and back in the game before you know it.
