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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries, Among the Most Common in Athletes and Active Aging Alike

With a climate that is generally warm all year long, people in the city of Houston love their sports and outdoor recreational activities. The city boasts a bevy of teams in all of the major sporting events and Houston residents try to remain as active as possible. Unfortunately, there is a down side to all of this, with many athletes and individuals suffering injuries - which can be a setback to their way of living. A Houston orthopedic surgeon specializes in sport related injuries and can help an injured individual recover with various treatments and rehabilitation.

Orthopedic surgeons treat most musculoskeletal problems which are common with sports related injuries. They restore function by surgical means but could also utilize medical and physical rehabilitative methods when necessary. If you are an athlete or an individual who remains physically active, you need to familiarize yourself to common injuries that may require treatment by an orthopedic surgeon.

Common Sports Related Injuries:

• ACL Injuries – The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments crucial to the stability of the knee joint. ACL injuries occur when there is a tear in this ligament that joins the upper leg bone to the lower leg bone. These injuries can occur when the knee joint is twisted or bent backwards in an irregular manner. Common symptoms can include: pain on the outside and back of knee, swelling and inflammation, limited movement, and the buckling or giving out of the knee.
• Rotator Cuff Tears – The rotator cuff is the name given to the four muscle tendons which surround the shoulder joint. Their function is important, because it allows the shoulder to operate using a wide range of motions. These tears can occur when an unusual demand is placed on the shoulder or can be brought on overtime with constant activity that aggravates the muscle. Typical symptoms can include: pain on the outside of the shoulder, weakened strength of the tendons, and difficulty in shoulder movement.
• Fractures & Dislocations – Fractures and dislocations are the most common injuries that are treated by a Houston orthopedic surgeon. A fracture is an actual crack or break in a bone, usually caused by excessive pressure. A dislocation occurs when pressure pulls a bone out of its socket at the joint. Some dislocations and fractures will require the use of a cast or a splint to hold the bone in place during the healing process, while other more serious injuries will require the need for surgery and a long timeout from extraneous activities. Symptoms can include: pain, tenderness, swelling, and discoloration of injured area, and limited range of motion.

It is important to know what you are physically able to accomplish and not push your body to the limit. Sports related injuries can often occur when an individual is pushing themselves beyond what they normally can handle. Most athletes and people who remain active are also guilty of not seeking immediate medical attention for minor problems that they may be experiencing. If you feel like you may be experiencing any of the injuries listed above, you should visit a Houston orthopedic surgeon immediately. It could make all the difference on your road to recovery.

Sanders Clinic
At the Sanders Clinic for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, patients receive a comprehensive assessment and strengthening plan developed uniquely just for them. Patients learn how to proactively participate in the strengthening of their injured area, utilizing a program designed to improve strength in all the affected muscle groups and rehabilitate the injured area. For more information visit: www.sandersclinic.net or call 713-622-3576 to speak with a live representative.