Sports Medicine
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a student competitor or a professional athlete, the Michigan Knee Institute team uses the latest medical advances, including minimally invasive techniques, to reduce pain and speed healing for all common acute and chronic injuries to the bone and muscle tissue. We also work with athletes and other active people to help them meet their fitness goals.
The focus of sports medicine is helping people recover from injuries related to sports, exercise or other physical activities. You may consult a sports medicine expert if you have an injury or if you are looking to improve fitness and reach athletic goals.
Dr. DeClaire and the team at Michigan Knee Institute have one goal: To get you back into the game and functioning at peak performance as quickly as possible.
Common Sports Injuries
Sports injuries occur when playing indoor or outdoor sports or while exercising. They can result from accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises. The most common sports injuries are sprains and strains, fractures and dislocations.
The most common treatment recommended for injury is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).
- Rest: Avoid activities that may cause injury.
- Ice: Apply ice to the injured area to help reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel on the affected area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, for several days. Never place ice directly over the skin.
- Compression: Compression of the injured area also helps reduce swelling. Elastic wraps, air casts and splints can accomplish this.
- Elevation: Elevate the injured part above your heart level to reduce swelling and pain.
Preventing sports-related injuries
- Follow an exercise program to strengthen the 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, facemasks, mouth guards and pads, comfortable clothes, and athletic shoes before playing any sports activity.
- Make sure that you follow warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after the sports activity. Exercises will help stretch muscles, increase flexibility and reduce soft tissue injuries.
- Avoid exercising immediately after eating a large meal.
- Maintain a healthy diet, which will nourish the muscles.
- Avoid playing when you are injured or tired. Take a break for some time after playing.
- Learn all the rules of the game you are participating in.
- Ensure that you are physically fit to play the sport.