Expert Sports Medicine Doctor in Pittsburgh
Sports Medicine
Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of injuries sustained during sports or other physical activities. It is a relatively new field, and its development has been spurred by the increasing popularity of sports and other forms of exercise.
Sports medicine encompasses a wide range of specialties, including orthopaedic surgery, orthopaedic sports medicine, sports nutrition, sports psychology, and sports rehabilitation. Sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons are perhaps the best-known type of sports medicine physician. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries to the bones, joints, and ligaments.
Orthopaedic sports medicine physicians are also often involved in the care of athletes. They focus on the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries, as well as on the rehabilitation of athletes after injuries have occurred.
Sports injuries are injuries sustained while playing indoor or outdoor sports such as football, basketball, hockey, baseball, and tennis, or while exercising. Sports injuries can result from sports accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises. Common sports injuries include bone, muscle, ligament and tendon injuries that commonly involve joints such as the shoulders, knees, hips, ankles and feet.
Some common types of sports injuries are:
- Achilles tendonitis – Achilles tendonitis refers to inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear – This is a tear of one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee, the ACL.
- Concussion – A type of brain injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and violently jarred.
- Hamstring strain – A hamstring strain is a tear of the muscle located at the back of the thigh.
- Rotator cuff tear – This occurs when the rotator cuff, of the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, is torn.
- Shin splints – Shin splints involve pain in the lower leg caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the shinbone and surrounding tissues.
- Shoulder dislocation - A condition in which the upper arm bone (humerus) is displaced from the shoulder socket.
- Tennis elbow – Tennis elbow refers to inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow joint.
If you have sustained a sports injury, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Dr. Brian Kelly will provide long-lasting pain relief for a variety of sports injuries and conditions. At Brian J. Kelly MD, our orthopaedic specialists are proud to provide comprehensive treatment for everything from fractures and tears to degenerative conditions. No matter what you are struggling with, there is an orthopaedic surgeon at Brian J. Kelly MD who can help every step of the way. Schedule an appointment today to recover from your injuries and live pain-free.
Sports Medicine Surgeon Near Pittsburgh, PA
Comprehensive Treatment For Sports Injuries
Treatment for sports injuries can vary depending on the severity of your condition. Treatment includes management of bruises, strains and sprains, fractures, dislocations, chronic injuries, torn shoulder ligaments, ACL ligament repair in the knee, and cartilage and meniscal repairs. Your orthopaedic specialist will likely recommend conservative, non-surgical treatments before exploring surgery. Some common conservative treatments include:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) Therapy - This therapy instructs patients to rest and avoid activities that may cause injury. Ice packs can be applied to the injured area, which will help to diminish swelling and pain. Compression of the injured area with wraps, casts, and splints also helps to reduce swelling. Finally, keeping the injured part elevated above the heart level can reduce swelling and pain.
- Activity Modification - This involves changing your lifestyle and avoiding activities that trigger symptoms.
- Physical Therapy - Physical therapy provides you with a regular exercise regimen to improve your range of motion and strengthen your muscles.\
- Anti-inflammatory Medication - Medications like naproxen and ibuprofen are used to relieve inflammation and pain.
- Cortisone Injection - If physical therapy, medications, rest, and activity modification do not yield the desired results, then a cortisone injection may be helpful. Cortisone is a very effective anti-inflammatory medicine for conditions such as bursitis, as well as a long-term pain reliever for tears and structural damage.
Surgery is mostly accomplished by minimally invasive methods and healing is expedited by physical therapy and a rehabilitation program to ensure a quick return to your sporting activities. Some common surgical treatments include:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
- Rotator cuff repair.
- Arthroscopy of knees, shoulders, and ankles.
- Shoulder instability surgery.
- Tendon repair.
- Cartilage restoration.
- Fracture repair.
- Labral repair.
Dr. Brian Kelly, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, can perform all of these procedures to improve the state of your condition. If you are looking for orthopaedic surgery near you, look no further than Brian J. Kelly MD. Our team will help you get back to enjoying the sport you love without pain or discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent sports injuries?
To prevent sports-related injuries, sports medicine specialists recommend that you:
- Follow an exercise program to strengthen your muscles.
- Gradually increase your exercise level and avoid overdoing the exercise.
- Ensure that you wear properly-fitted protective gear such as elbow guards, eye gear, face masks, mouth guards and pads, comfortable clothes, and athletic shoes before playing any sports to reduce the chances of injury.
- Make sure that you follow warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after any physical activity. These exercises will help to stretch the muscles, increase flexibility and reduce soft tissue injuries.
- Avoid exercising immediately after eating a large meal.
- Maintain a healthy diet, which will help to nourish the muscles.
- Avoid playing when you are injured or tired and take time to rest after playing.
- Ensure that you are physically fit to play the sport.
Your orthopaedic specialist can help you take preventative measures to avoid sports injuries. If you are unsure whether you are physically fit to play your sport, reach out to Brian J. Kelly MD.
How do I know which treatment I need for my injury?
The severity of your injury will determine the best course of treatment. For example, a mild sprain may only require RICE therapy, whereas a more severe injury may require surgery. At the office of Brian J. Kelly MD, your orthopaedic surgeon will evaluate your case and make recommendations based on what will provide the best results.
Can I return to my sport after sustaining an injury?
Your orthopaedic surgeon will be able to give you specific instructions on when you can return to your sport after sustaining an injury. It is important to follow their post-operative care instructions so you can prevent further injury.
Dr. Kelly performs most of his surgeries with minimally invasive methods, followed by physical therapy and a rehabilitation program. These measures help to expedite the healing process and ensure a quick return to your sporting activities.
How can I get started with a sports injury doctor near me?
Whether you are a seasoned professional athlete or an individual leading a healthy lifestyle, you can expect compassionate, comprehensive care from the expert team at the office of Brian J. Kelly MD. Dr. Brian Kelly is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine. He has helped countless patients recover from injuries and get back to the activities they love.
If you are looking for an orthopaedic surgeon near you, reach out to Dr. Brian Kelly to schedule your appointment today. You can contact us by phone at 412-262-7800, or visit our office at 725 Cherrington Pkwy, Suite 200, Moon Township, PA 15208.
Pittsburgh’s Leading Sports Medicine Doctor
Stay off the sidelines with sports medicine at Brian J. Kelly MD.