Sports Injuries

When you are injured, we understand that you have a lot of concerns. Our team of highly trained experts specializes in the evaluation and management of injuries that affect physically active people — be they young or old, competitive athletes or weekend warriors — who are engaged in all types of sports and activities.

Whether you want to prevent an injury, recover from an injury or learn how you can safely enhance your athletic performance, our team can help. We will answer all of your questions, diagnose your injury or condition quickly and work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Ankle & foot injuries

The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body, consisting of 26 bones connected by numerous joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. The foot is susceptible to many stresses. Foot problems can cause pain, inflammation or injury, resulting in limited movement and mobility.

Back injuries

At the Center for Sports Medicine, back injuries are evaluated and usually treated immediately with physical therapy in order to diminish back stiffness, improve recruitment of other muscles and reduce muscle spasms and pain.

Our team believes early motion and stretching can be performed. The injured muscles are balanced against uninjured muscles that counter force and engagement, which can often stop back spasm earlier than if just rest is used.

We are aggressive in using ice and anti-inflammatory medications as necessary in order to stop the immediate muscle spasm and pain, as well as other activities and back exercises in order to retrain the back and core muscles to diminish the recurrence of back injuries.

Concussions

Concussion is a disturbance of brain function that occurs after a blow to the head. It is one of the most common sports injuries. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 1.6–3.2 million concussions occur yearly in sports and other recreational activities. Unfortunately, many people don't realize how serious a concussion is or the potential impact it can have on their future health.

Symptoms of a concussion may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Feeling in a "fog" or "slowed down"
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Amnesia (memory loss)
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Poor coordination/balance
• Slurred speech
• Nausea/vomiting

Every concussion is a serious injury. At the Center for Sports Medicine, our sports medicine physicians have advanced training in treating concussions and helping athletes lower their risk for more serious brain injury and complications. We use a neurocognitive test called ImPACT as well as vestibular balance testing to help measure the effects of a concussion and determine when it is safe for an athlete to return to play.

To treat concussions, Adventist Health Sonora offers:

• Availability to see your athlete within 24–48 hours
• Expertise in concussion evaluation and management
• Consultation as well as evaluation and management of the injury and return to play process
• The convenience of evaluation, testing and imaging done in one location
• Individualized rehabilitation for safe return to sport, work and academics
• Concussion education programs to groups, schools and medical providers
• Ability to work with schools, athletic teams and places of business in understanding patient recovery

Download ourconcussion recovery guideto learn more.

Hand, wrist & elbow injuries

The hand is composed of many different bones, muscles and ligaments that allow for a large amount of movement and dexterity. There are many common hand problems and injuries that can interfere with your activity level.

The Center for Sports Medicine's fellowship-trained hand specialist uses the latest techniques to treat many common problems including:

• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Compartment syndrome
• Dupuytren's contracture
• Fractures
• Tendon injuries

Many types of elbow problems also require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional.

At Adventist Health Sonora, we commonly treat:

• Arthritis
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Medial epicondylitis (golfer's or baseball elbow)

Hip & knee injuries

The hip is one of the most stable joints in the body. But its function — bearing the body's weight —makes it susceptible to arthritis due to excessive pressure. Your knees, heavily used day in and day out, are also highly susceptible to arthritis.

Common causes of hip or knee pain include:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Fractures
• Muscle strain
• Osteonecrosis
• Tendinitis

Immediately after an injury, follow the RICE method: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible if:

• Our pain is severe
• There is swelling
• You cannot move your hip or knee properly

Injuries that are not treated appropriately can lead to chronic pain. Treatments for hip and knee injuries range from medication and physical therapy to surgical repair.