Football has the highest rate of injury due to its intense nature.

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.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most common causes of lateral knee pain. ITBS develops among athletes who are either constantly running or who repeatedly flex or extend their knees. Long distance runners and cyclists are extremely prone to ITBS, but it is also found in other sports such as tennis, soccer and volleyball.

Stretching and strengthening the knee are common treatments for ITBS. Surgery for ITBS is very rare, although cortisone injections are sometimes used if all other types of treatments fail.

Symptoms

o Pain on the outside of knee especially during exercise
o Tightness in the Illiotibial band
o Weakness during hip abduction

Treatment

o Rest and Ice
o Ultrasound and electronic stimulation
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Illiotibial band syndrome will ensure a 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Turf Toe

A frequent injury most common in sports played on artificial surfaces, turf toe is the over extension of the big toe which stretches the ligaments of the foot. These ligaments tend to stretch if an athlete’s shoe grips the surface and gets stuck while his or her body goes forward.

Symptoms

o Swelling, pain and tenderness near or around the joint
o Pain and tenderness in or around the joint during stretching

Treatment

o Rest and ice immediately post injury
o Use a compression bandage
o Wear a shoe with a stiff sole or a brace
o Ultrasound or electronic stimulation

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

Concussion

A concussion is a brain injury resulting from a sudden impact to the head or body. The brain, which is a made up of soft tissues, is surrounded by fluid in the skull. When the skull is delivered a heavy blow, the brain might hit the bone inside causing a concussion and temporarily preventing the brain from working.

Treatment for a concussion is dependant on the severity of the blow. Any symptom of a concussion after receiving a blow to the skull requires consultation with a medical professional immediately. For more severe and traumatic instances an athlete should be taken to the hospital.

Symptoms

o Mild dizziness or nausea
o Loss of memory for any time period after or during the injury
o Loss of consciousness
o Vomiting multiple times after the incident
o Repetition of the same statement multiple times

Treatment

o Ice the area of impact
o Seek immediate medical attention

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for a Concussion will ensure safety and avoid further complications.

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.

Groin Strain

A groin strain is a tearing of the adductor muscles that connect the pelvis to the leg. They are used to help maintain balance and are important for rapid changes in direction and sprinting. Sudden resistance or quick changes in speed or direction, which leads to a tear in the muscle fibers, normally causes this injury.

Symptoms

o Sharp pain in the groin area
o Swelling or bruising
o Pain or inability during adduction
o Tightening of the muscles in the groin area after the injury was sustained

Treatment

o R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method
o Ultrasound or Laser

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

Hamstring Pull, Tear, or Sprain

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.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc involves the bulging of a spinal disc due to compression or a rupture. The bulging disc pinches the spinal nerves causing pain. This irritation can be caused gradually or by instances of trauma or heavy impact, most prevalent in American football.

Symptoms

o Weaker feeling muscles
o Tingling and Numbness in limbs
o Shock pain, or electric shock

Treatment

o Rest and ice
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
o Oral steroids when necessary
o Epidural injections of steroids when necessary

Consulting an ARM physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for a herniated disc will ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Hip pointer

Hip pointer injuries involve high impacts delivered to the general hip region causing bruising and sometimes detachment of small pieces of bone. Bleeding is common and generally can be found in the front and the side of the hip. Swelling can cause pain during movement of the hip.

Symptoms

o Bruising and swelling around the hip
o Pain and tenderness to touch
o Limitations of athletes range of motion
o Reduction of strength in some of the hip muscles

Treatment

o Rest and ice
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
o Sports Massage

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for a hip pointer will ensure a full and speedy 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.

Neck Sprain (Whip Lash)

Neck Sprains result from heavy impact to the neck and can be very painful. They can involve either the ligaments in the cervical vertebrae or the muscle groups that are located in the neck.

Symptoms

o Pain in the rear or sides of neck
o Muscle spasms in the upper shoulders or back
o Headache originating from the back of the skull
o Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arms and hands
o Sore throat

Treatment

o R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method
o Cervical brace or collar when needed
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

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

Osteitis Pubis (Pelvic Pain)

Osteitis pubis is a condition that refers to the excessive strain on the pubic bone found in runners and footballers. The injury helps lead to sclerosis and bone changes in the pubic area which can limit athletes length of activity.

Symptoms

o Loss of flexibility in the groin
o Dull pain in groin region
o Sharp pain during strenuous activities

Treatment

o Rest and Ice
o Medication when necessary
o Therapeutic exercises and stretching

Consulting an A.R.M. sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for Osteitis Pubis or Pelvic Pain will ensure a full and speedy recovery.

Patella Subluxation (Kneecap Dislocation)

Patella Subluxation (kneecap dislocation) can cause discomfort and become painful in activities such as running. The culprit of this pain is the poor tracking of the patella along the trochlear groove.

This can be caused by a wider than normal pelvis, problems in the athletes gait, or just a shallow trochlear groove. Complete dislocation of the kneecap is normally caused by heavy trauma. Subsequent dislocations become much more frequent after the original dislocation.

Symptoms

o Knee pain
o Tenderness in effected area

Treatment

o Rest and ice
o Bracing and taping when necessary
o Proper footwear

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

Pectoralis Muscle Strains

Pectoralis (pecs) muscles are the large muscles located at the front of the chest. They are responsible for movement and lifting of the arms and shoulders. Due to the strength in these muscles, strains and tears are not common but do occur from long-term overuse or a traumatic event. These strains are most common in weightlifting, football, or hockey.

Symptoms

o Severe pain in chest
o Swelling and Bruising
o Lack of strength in chest region
o Difficulty in moving the arm across the chest

Treatment

o Ice and rest
o Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

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

Pull or Strain of Calf Muscle

A pull or strain of the calf muscles involves a tear of the muscles known as the Gastrocnemius and the Soleus. In a full rupture of the calf muscle, a bunched mass of tissue can be seen near the back of the knee. Like many other injuries calf strains are broken down into three different grades depending upon the severity of the muscle tear.

Grade 1 involve up to 10% of the muscles in the calf.
Grade 2 affects 90% of the muscles in the calf .
Grade 3 occurs when over 90% of the calf muscle fibers are torn.

Symptoms

o Minor to severe pain in the lower leg
o Tightness and aching in lower leg
o Swelling and bruising
o A bunched up mass of tissue (in a full calf muscle rupture)

Treatment

o R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method
o Anti-inflammatory medicine when necessary
o Ultrasound treatment

Consulting an A.R.M sports physician for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for a calf strain 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.

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.