Understanding the Role of Sports Medicine Experts

Elite athletes from Colorado Springs understand the importance of sports medicine, or as it’s referred to by doctors, sport and exercise medicine (SEM). The primary focus of sports medicine is to improve an athlete’s ability to perform and treat any injury resulting from competition. Professionals in the field of sports medicine are responsible for the continued care and recovery of athletes. Sports medicine doctors are experts in the field of orthopedics, emergency medicine and family medicine.

Beating the Pain: Tips on Treating an Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries. While some athletes are able to keep playing, there are others who instantly hobble in pain. Here are a few tips for treating a sprained ankle.

Control the Swelling

The amount of swelling can vary according to the severity of the sprain. In the hours following the injury, it is important to apply ice to your ankle. To prevent discomfort or tissue damage, only keep the ice pack on the skin for no more than 20 minutes at a time. When resting, always keep your ankle elevated (above the level of your heart) to limit swelling.

Do You Know about Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Upon hearing it for the first time, you might not be familiar with Dupuytren’s contracture, or where in the body it may develop. This condition happens when knots of tissue begin to form under the skin of your palm, which then turn into a thick cord that pulls one or more of your fingers into a bent position.

To give you a clear picture as to what Dupuytren’s contracture can do to your hands, imagine never being able to shake hands properly or place them in your pockets because one of your fingers cannot be straightened permanently.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the ulnar nerve near the elbow because of increased pressure. One may develop this condition if they:

• Repeatedly lean on their elbow, especially on a hard surface
• Frequent bending of the elbow
• Abnormal bone growth in the elbow due to intense physical activity

Symptoms include pain and numbness in the elbow, or on the inside of the hand and in the ring and little fingers. More severe symptoms include decreased ability to pinch the little finger and the thumb, decreased overall hand grip, and muscle wasting in the hand.