Baseball and Softball are both all-American sports, loved and played by many.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendonitis is an injury that occurs due to overuse of the Achilles tendon. Acute Achilles tendonitis can happen when an athlete increases his or her training suddenly. This type of tendonitis normally fades with rest and then can become chronic Achilles tendonitis. Chronic Achilles tendonitis can be caused by a variety of different reasons, such as increased activity, lowered recovery time, new footwear, or even weakened calf muscles.

Symptoms

o Pain behind the ankle increasing over time
o Pain at the beginning of exercise but disappearing slowly during the activity
o Achilles tendon is tender to touch

Treatment

o Rest and apply ice to injury
o Anti-inflammatory medication if necessary
o Sports massage or ultrasound

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Achilles tendinitis will ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury

A torn ACL is a very common injury throughout all types of sports. The cause of most ACL tears is due to either a twisting of the knee or a traumatic blow to the outside of the knee joint. Women are actually more prone to ACL injuries although the reason behind their prevalence is unknown.

Symptoms

o A loud pop in the knee at the time of injury
o Swelling of the knee immediately after sustaining the injury
o Restriction of movement in the knee joint
o Extensive amounts of pain after the injury occurs

Treatment

o Pre-surgical rehabilitation
o Surgery required when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for ACL injuries will ensure a full recovery.

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans, not limited to a specific joint, is mainly caused by the lack of blood supply to the end of the bone affecting the cartilage in that specific region. Once blood supply is restricted a fragment of cartilage or bone may become loose and break off causing considerable amounts of pain.

Young adults and teenagers are most affected by this condition especially when active in sports. Early diagnosis of this type of injury can limit the damage caused and allow for a quick and full recovery.

Symptoms

o Pain
o Locking of joint
o Decrease in range of motion
o Swelling and tenderness

Treatment

o Rest
o Brace when necessary
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Osteochondritis dissecans will ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury

The Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) supports the outside of the knee and provides stability to the joint when the knee is pushed outward. An LCL injury is most common in contact sports such as football and occurs after severe force os applied to the inside of the knee. There are three grades of an LCL injury. Grade 1 consists of mild stretching of the ligament without looseness Grade 2 is a partial tear of the ligament Grade 3 consists of full rupture of the tendon resulting in instability of the knee joint.

Symptoms

o Discomfort to the outside of the knee
o Pain and swelling of the knee
o Tenderness and weakness of the knee

Treatment

o R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, COmpression, Elevation) method
o Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory medication
o Sports Knee Brace
o Physical Therapy

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury will ensure a full recovery.

Patella Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)

Also known by many as jumpers knee, patella tendonitis is the result of the tendons and tissues, surrounding the knee, becoming inflamed and irritated. The most common activity to cause such damage is jumping, where it derives its name.

Symptoms

o Pain directly over the patellar tendon
o Pain with jumping or kneeling
o Swelling in the vicinity of the patella tendon

Treatment

o Ice the knee to reduce swelling and pain
o Strengthening of the quadriceps to help aid recovery

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Patella Tendinitis will ensure your full recovery.

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury

The rupturing of the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is normally caused by an impact to the outside of the knee. The impact pushes the knee inward stretching the MCL and leading to partial or full tears.

There are three different levels of MCL tears:
Grade 1 tears are normally partial and there is no joint instability.
Grade 2 is partial tear combined with joint movement, yet when force is applied the joint is instable.
Grade 3 tear is a complete tear of the MCL yet sometimes is not as painful as a grade 2. Joint laxity is massive and the athlete will feel as if they have an unstable knee.

Symptoms

o Knee is tender on the MCL
o Swelling near or around the ligament
o When stretching the knee there is definite joint movement with no definitive end point
o Feelings of lack of stability and knee buckling

Treatment

o Rest and ice
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
o Hinged knee brace when necessary
o Knee immobilizer when necessary and crutches

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for MCL injuries will ensure a full recovery.

Medial Epicondylitis

Medial Epicondylitis (pitcher’s or golfer’s elbow) is similar to tennis elbow except it involves a different muscles group. The flexors of the forearm are affected instead of the extensors involved in tennis elbow. The pain is therefore located on the inside of the elbow instead of the outside. Inflammation and tears might not only come from overuse, but also from lack of blood to the region making tendons frail and more susceptible to injury.

Symptoms

o Pain on the inside of elbow
o Pain increasing with flexing of wrist
o Pain radiating down the entire arm

Treatment

o R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method
o Ultrasound and electric stimulation
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) will ensure your full recovery.

Posterior Cruciate ligament (PCL) Injury

An injury to the PCL is most commonly caused when the knee is bent and trauma is caused to it from the front. These injuries are graded similar to MCL and ACL injuries with the three separate levels. Most treatments for PCL injuries require rehabilitation.

Symptoms

o Pain during the time of impact
o Swelling in the area might occur
o Pain when PCL is placed under stress
o Joint instability, and feelings of knee buckling

Treatment

o Rest and Ice
o Crutches when necessary
o Possible physical therapy

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for PCL injuries will ensure a full recovery.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries are common throughout sports. They are normally due to overuse in overhead arm movement and can be quite painful. An aching pain can flare up when arms are used over the head or directly to the side of the body.

Symptoms

o Pain associated with arm movement especially overhead arm movement
o Pain in shoulder when slept on at night
o Tenderness over general area

Treatment

o Rest and ice are very important
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
o Continuous movement of the arm with rest periods to avoid reduction of mobility

Prolonged Rotator Cuff inflammation may result into a tear. There are two kinds of Rotator Cuff Tears: Chronic and Acute.

Symptoms of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tear

o Occurs on dominant side
o Weakness throughout range of motion
o Eventual loss of mobility

Treatment of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tear

o Ice
o Steroid injection when necessary
o Shoulder exercises prescribed by physician

Symptoms of Acute Tear

o Sudden tearing feeling in shoulder
o Radiating pain down arm
o Limited mobility
o Tenderness in specific area of the Rotator Cuff
o Abduction of arm not possible

Treatment of Acute Tear

o Ice to reduce swelling
o Medications when necessary
o Surgery and Resting of arm in sling if necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Rotator Cuff inflammation will ensure your full recovery and avoid progression of inflammation into a chronic tear.

Ankle Sprain

When the foot is turned inward or inverted an athletes’ ankle can be sprained. This can be caused by running on non-leveled surfaces, or can be due to landing on non-flat surfaces during competition.

Symptoms

o Swelling in the ankle because of the gathering of fluid in the tissues
o Pain in the region of the ankle when standing
o Painful to touch ankle region or to move foot in certain directions
o Redness and warmth in ankle due to increased in blood in the region

Treatment

o R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) method immediately
o Ultrasound and Laser treatment
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for ankle sprains will ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Shin Splints

The most common cause of shin splints is inflammation of the periostium of the tibia; A very common injury amongst athletes whose sports involve a lot of running. The force of the lower leg muscles leading to inflammation and sharp shin pain causes friction on the periostium.

Symptoms

o Pain on the inside of the shin
o Pain that eases as exercise is continued
o Pain when toes or foot are bent downwards
o Lumps or bumps may be felt when feeling the inside of the shin bone

Treatment

o Rest and ice the area of the injury
o Applying heat prior to exercise will reduce pain
o Wearing proper footwear

Consulting an A.R.M. physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Shin splints will ensure your full recovery and get you back on your feet.

Back Muscle Strains

Back muscle strains are a common injury in athletes and result from sudden movements or attempts to lift heavy objects with incorrect form. The muscles go into spasm and tighten up, causing pain and tension. Back pain is normally due to a build up of tension followed by a single incidence in which the athlete causes the back muscles to spasm.

Symptoms

o Sudden sharp pain in the back
o Swelling and bruising
o Pain with movement

Treatment

o Rest and heat
o Ultrasound and electrical stimulation
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment when suffering from a back strain will ensure your full recovery.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome & Bursitis

Impingement Syndrome refers to the tendons over the shoulder becoming inflamed by rubbing in the narrow gap named the Subacromial Space. This irritation thickens these tendons, causing pain and complications.

Symptoms

o Pain located in the front and side of the shoulder during forceful overhead motions
o Pain at the back and front of the joint during abduction or ER (external rotation)

Treatment

o Rest and ice
o Slow return to sport
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
o Injection of steroids when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Shoulder Impingement Syndrome will ensure your full recovery.

Baseball Finger

Baseball finger is a condition resulting from a ball hitting the tip of your finger, causing it to bend down beyond its limit. This bending tears the tendon controlling movement of your finger. The tip of the finger cannot be straightened out or will hang down abnormally if the tendon is torn or detached. In some cases, the force can pull away tiny pieces of the bone or dislocate the joint

Symptoms

o Tenderness, swelling, or redness on the tip of the finger
o An open wound along with a tendon tear, which may lead to infection in the hand.

Treatment

o Immediate application of ice
o Elevating the hand above the level of your heart
o Surgery in the case of an infection or damage to the bone

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for baseball finger will ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures, while not the most common, still affect many athletes across different sports. Common stress fractures are due to constant use of muscle groups, which leads to higher bone stress once these muscles are exhausted. Stress fractures can also be caused by changes on the surfaces of the playing field.

Symptoms

o Pain during distance running
o Tenderness near or around injury location
o Swelling near or around injury location

Treatment

o Rest for up to 8 weeks
o Continue exercise in aquatic environment

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for a stress fracture will ensure a full recovery.

Hamstring Pull or Tear

Hamstring injuries are extremely painful and are rather common across all athletic activities. There are three separate levels, or grades of hamstring injuries.

Grade 1 injuries deal with mild tearing of the muscle tissues.
Grade 2 has moderate damage to the three muscle groups that make up the hamstring.
Grade 3 the most severe injury can deal with a total rupture of the hamstring muscle.

Symptoms

o Sudden sharp pain in the back of the leg
o Swelling and burning of hamstring muscle
o Grade 3 may leave a gap in the muscle group
o Pain with stretching or with resistance to movement

Treatment

o R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) method
o Compression bandage
o Ultrasound and electrical stimulation
o Sports massage
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for hamstring pull or tear will ensure a full recovery.

Tenosynovitis (De Quervain’s Tendinitis)

Tenosynovitis (De Quervain's Tendonitis) occurs when the tendons located near the base of the thumb are irritated or restricted. Pain can be felt on the side of the wrist closest to the thumb. Tenosynovitis involves the sheath that encompasses the tendon. The swollen tendon presses on the tendon sheath restricting movement and causing pain.

Symptoms

o Swelling on thumb side of the wrist
o Catching/snapping sensation felt when moving the thumb
o Numbness on back of thumb or index finger

Treatment

o Rest and ice
o Splinting when necessary
o Ultrasound
o Cortisone injections when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for tenosynovitis (De Quervain’s tendinitis) will ensure your full recovery.

Meniscus Injuries

Medial Meniscus is a piece of cartilage that lies between the joints of the knee on the inside. On the outside is the lateral meniscus. Medial meniscus injuries are more likely to occur then lateral meniscus injuries. Medial meniscus injuries normally involve the same type of trauma as ACL injuries and often go hand in hand.

Twisting motions, while the feet are planted and impacts to the knee can all cause meniscus damage. There are also degenerative conditions where the meniscus tissue begins to fray causing damage and pain.

Symptoms

o Pain on the inner surface in the knee joint
o Swelling in or around the knee
o Lack of weight bearing strength
o Pain when knee is rotated

Treatment

o R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method
o Electronic stimulation and ultrasound
o Manual therapy
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Medial Meniscus injuries will ensure a full recovery.

Wrist Tendinitis

Wrist Tendinitis, Also known as tenosynovitis, occurs when the tendons in the wrist are irritated or restricted due to the crossing over bone or other tendons. Wrist Tendinitis involves the sheath that encompasses the actual tendon. Pain can be felt in the wrist and surrounding areas where the tendon sheath is inflamed. The swollen tendon presses on the tendon sheath forcing it to become thicker and hindering the sliding of the tendons.

Symptoms

o Swelling
o Catching/snapping sensation with movement
o Numbness in fingers

Treatment

o Rest and ice
o Splinting when necessary
o Ultrasound
o Cortisone injections when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for wrist tendinitis will ensure a full recovery and minimal complications.

Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation is extremely common and results from the shoulder joint being wrenched upward or backward, causing it to dislocate out of socket. This injury is most common in contact sports. About 95% of shoulder dislocations occur in the anterior inferior direction, resulting in severe pain and loss of motion of arm and shoulder.

Symptoms

o Lack of mobility of the shoulder
o Numbness throughout the arm
o Pain in shoulder radiating down the length of the arm
o Shoulder and arm feel frozen in place

Treatment

o Placement into sling or splint
o Immediate medical consultation
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Shoulder Dislocation will ensure your full recovery and get you back on your feet.