Tendons are the firm and elastic structures that link muscles to the bone that they attach to. These are dynamic, hard-working structures that routinely endure tremendous amounts of stress, especially with athletic activities. When over-used or injured (or even without a known cause), tendons can become inflamed, painful, and frustratingly limited (known as Tendonitis).  In many cases, the site of inflammation is at the point where the tendon attaches to the bone.

Commonly areas of Tendonitis include:

• Achilles tendon
• Patellar Tendon (Jumper’s Knee or Runner’s Knee),
• Hip Flexor tendon
• Extensor Tendons of the Elbow (Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow)
• Tendons of the Wrist and Thumb

In most cases, athletes suffer shoulder injuries due to repetitive strain to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the shoulder joint.  Over time, repetitive motions, such as throwing or lifting, begin to weaken the structures of the shoulder.  This weakening often leads to pain, swelling, and weakness in the shoulder.  However, in some instances, shoulder injuries can occur spontaneously after a sudden impact such as a football hit, throwing, or overexertion of the shoulder.

It is important to see a Sports Medicine Specialist at the first sign of shoulder pain as many shoulder conditions are progressive and will worsen if left untreated.

Common shoulder injuries include:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Rotator Cuff Tears
• Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder Syndrome)
• AC Joint Injury
• Bicep Tendon Tears
• Separated Shoulder
• Shoulder Instability

In most cases, athletes suffer knee injuries as the result of sudden trauma or impact such as a direct hit to the knee or from a change of direction while the foot is planted.  In other instances, knee injuries may be the result of overexertion and muscular imbalance which forces the knee to be repetitively strained.

No matter what the sport or activity, limited motion or flexibility in the knees has a direct impact on speed and power and can compromise your performance.

It is important to see a Sports Medicine Specialist at the first sign of knee pain as many knee conditions are progressive and will worsen if left untreated.

Common knee injuries include:

Meniscus Tears
ACL Injuries
MCL / PCL Injuries
Tendonitis of the Knee
Patellofemoral Pain (Jumper’s Knee or Runner’s Knee)
Hamstring Injuries
Knee Instability
Patellar Dislocation

For athletes whose sport involves overhand throwing or a shooting motion, mobility and strength in the elbow joint are essential for velocity and accuracy.  In many cases, the elbow becomes injured to a sudden trauma, such as a direct impact or fall onto the elbow.  In other instances, the ligaments and tendons of the elbow can become injured due to repetitive strain on the elbow.  One of the most well-known elbow injuries among athletes is a UCL injury (Ulnar Collateral Ligament), which is especially common among pitchers.

It is important to see a Sports Medicine Specialist at the first sign of elbow pain as many elbow conditions are progressive and will worsen if left untreated.

Common elbow injuries include:

• Elbow Tendonitis (Golfer’s Elbow or Tennis Elbow)
• UCL Tear
• Biceps Tendon Tear
• Bone Spurs on the Elbow
• Elbow Instability
• Elbow Bursitis
• Elbow Fracture

There are 28 bones and more than 30 joints in the foot alone.  The ankle is comprised of three large bones and a complex network of ligaments, all of which directly affect speed and stability.  If any of these bones, joints, or ligaments are injured it can be almost impossible to perform activities of daily living or athletics.  Much acute foot and ankle injuries can be treated through nonoperative/conservative means, but if conservative treatment fails to alleviate the symptoms or the condition, then surgical intervention can often be very helpful.

It is important to see a Sports Medicine Specialist at the first sign of foot or ankle pain as many of these conditions are progressive and will worsen if left untreated.

Common foot and ankle injuries include:

• Ankle Sprains
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendon Injuries
• Ankle Ligament Instability
• Turf Toe
• Toe Fractures
• Bunions
• Hammertoe

Almost all dislocations and fractures that an athlete will sustain are the result of a direct impact or fall onto the shoulder, knee, elbow, wrist, or hand.  Not all fractures or dislocations require surgery and the treatment depends on a number of factors including which bone is injured, whether the bone has displaced or angulated (moved out of place), whether it can be adequately stabilized and immobilized in a cast or brace, and any injuries to the area.

It is important to note that if a fracture has been sustained and the bone has visibly broken the skin, this is known as an “open fracture” and should be treated immediately at the nearest Emergency Room.  In the instance of a “closed fracture”, this injury can be treated by an Orthopedic or Sports Medicine Specialist.

Common areas of dislocations and fractures include:

• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Hip
• Wrist or Hand
• Kneecap
• Ankle
• Toes