What is the role of a sports medicine physician compared to an orthopedic surgeon?
Sports medicine physicians focus on non-surgical management of sports-related injuries and conditions, emphasizing rehabilitation, injury prevention, and optimizing performance. Orthopedic surgeons handle surgical interventions for severe injuries, such as torn ligaments, fractures, or joint replacements.
Can cortisone injections be used for sports-related pain, and are there risks?
Cortisone injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief for conditions like bursitis, tendinitis, or joint arthritis. However, overuse can weaken tissues, delay healing, and increase the risk of tendon rupture, so they’re used judiciously in sports medicine.
How does Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy work, and when is it used in sports medicine?
PRP therapy involves extracting the patient’s blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting them into the injury site to promote healing. It’s often used for tendon injuries, mild arthritis, and ligament tears. While it can speed recovery, its efficacy varies and requires further research.
Can sports medicine techniques help with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia?
Yes, sports medicine techniques like therapeutic exercises, joint injections, and mobility aids can reduce pain and improve function for arthritis. For fibromyalgia, a combination of low-impact aerobic exercise, strength training, and pain management strategies are beneficial.
How are stress fractures treated in athletes?
Stress fractures are treated with activity modification (avoiding weight-bearing activities), immobilization (e.g., walking boot), and gradual reintroduction to activity. Bone health evaluation and dietary optimization (calcium, vitamin D) are also crucial.