[ad_1]
LAURIUM – Playing football in high school leaves players with memories that last a lifetime. Unfortunately, injuries from soccer can also leave players with lingering pain or mobility issues that last into adulthood.
“The knee is the most common site for injury in high school football players,” sharing Aspirus Sports Medicine, Dre Colleen Dupuis. “Some of the more serious injuries include trauma or tears to the cartilage, ligaments and tendons of the knee.”
Understanding Common Injuries
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located inside the knee and can often be injured when the knee is twisted or a player is tackled. “Those with MCL injuries may feel a pop or a sharp pain in the inner part of the knee at the time of the injury” says Dr Dupuis. “After the injury, you may experience internal knee tenderness, increased pain, and bruising. “
Another common knee injury is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. This ligament is located inside the knee joint. “ACL injuries can range from mild damage to partial or complete tears.” shares Dr. Dupuis. “Symptoms include pain and swelling in the knee joint, decreased range of motion, and knee instability.”
The meniscus is a fibrocartilage structure located inside the knee joint and its purpose is to absorb shock to the knee and keep the knee joint stable. “Athletes with a meniscus injury may feel a pop at the time of the injury, but will often be able to continue playing” says Dr Dupuis. “During the days following the injury, most patients report pain, stiffness, swelling, adhesion or blockage of the knee, instability and loss of range of motion.”
Diagnose injuries
If an athlete hears a pop or feels sharp pain at the time of injury, a visit to a doctor is recommended. In addition, players should also be examined if they experience persistent and severe pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, loss of range of motion, or joint instability.
Athletes with knee injuries who see an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist may expect the doctor to do a physical exam to diagnose the injury. It is possible that images of the knee using X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.
“Unfortunately, in most cases, major injuries to the meniscus or ACL require surgical treatment to prevent further damage to the knee structures that can lead to loss of function and early arthritis,” says Dr. Dupuis. “Knee injuries should be treated as soon as possible, as delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to irreversible damage. “
Surgical options for ACL injuries, for example, include arthroscopic knee ligament reconstruction surgery. For the meniscus, there are surgeries to clean the site (debride) or repair the tear. When surgery is indicated, players can expect post-surgical treatment plans to include rehabilitation with a physiotherapist.
Prevent knee injuries
“Increasing the strength and flexibility of your knee will help prevent injury” adds Dr Dupuis. “Stretching regularly, warming up properly before activity, wearing proper protective gear, avoiding overuse, and eating and resting properly are the best ways for athletes to avoid injury. Making sure athletes use proper technique when training, lifting weights, and participating in sports can also reduce the risk of knee injury.
Dr. Dupuis also stresses the importance of players, parents and coaches supporting the recommendations made by the athlete’s care team. “Coming back to the game too early or playing with an untreated injury can lead to additional damage that can have devastating consequences for a player’s long-term health.”
Aspirus Health has a team of experts in orthopedics and sports medicine to keep athletes in top condition. Aspirus provides access to quality orthopedic specialists, from certified orthopedic surgeons to physiotherapists, throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in Ironwood, Iron River, Houghton and Laurium. To learn more, visit aspirus.org.
[ad_2]
Source link