Injury risks during the fall sports season
As the weather gets cooler and kids are back in school, it’s also the return of fall sports.
For providers at Salem Health Orthopedics, this is a time to be aware of the injury risk for student athletes.
Tommy Vu is a physician associate who specializes in sports medicine. Vu said there are three types of injuries he expects to see the most this season.
Sprains and strains
“The most likely injuries that we'll see will be sprains and strains from all sorts of causes,” he said.
Vu said this comes from both contact and non-contact sports, usually impacting the knees and ankles.
“Treatment typically focuses on rest, possible physical therapy and gradual return to play,” he said. “Most athletes recover within a month, but if things are not improving, it would be a good idea to make a referral with Salem Health Orthopedics.”
The physician associate noted if sprains and strains are not addressed in a timely manner, they can create a longer road to recovery, preventing athletes from returning to sports as quickly as they’d like.
Bone stress injuries
Another concern for medical providers is bone stress injuries.
“These injuries typically will occur when athletes return to their high intensity activities too quickly after spending some time in their off season,” Vu said.
Vu said strict rest is needed for bone stress recovery, and this process can take several months.
“If these injuries are not addressed appropriately, then they can lead to long-term physical issues that will not only affect sports but just daily activity,” he said.
The other worry for student athletes is concussions.
Concussions
“At Salem Health Orthopedics, we have two amazing sports doctors who are expertly trained to help athletes and families through any potential concussion,” said Vu.
The PA said the athletes most at risk of concussion are those who play contact sports like football and soccer.
“Our young athletes can sometimes be reluctant to report their symptoms, due to fear of missing the game,” he said. “The athletes' support system should be aware of signs and symptoms of concussions and be quick to bring athletes in to see us.”
From orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors to physician associates and physical therapists, there is a team at Salem Health Orthopedics prepared for any kind of injury during the fall sports season.
“Our providers have the athletes’ health and wellbeing as our north star,” Vu said. “We will work diligently to get athletes back into the game as safely and as quickly as possible.”
Orthopedic care
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