Vim & Vigor - Summer 2017 - Gwinnett Medical Center - 53

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INJURY: Tendinitis

Tendinitis is typically the result of wear
and tear that occurs slowly over time.
There are two types of tendinitis: acute
and chronic. Acute tendinitis occurs
from a sudden increase in activity, like
playing toss with your son or daughter
in the backyard. Chronic tendinitis is
usually from arthritis or repetitive wear
due to age.
Symptoms: Pain and swelling in
the injured area, pain when moving
the injured area, and loss of mobility
and strength to the affected area.
Treatment: You can treat tendinitis
at home by resting the injured area.
Using ice helps reduce the swelling, and
over-the-counter anti-inflammatories
help minimize pain and swelling.
If you still have pain in the area after
a couple of weeks, it's important you
follow up with an orthopedic physician,
because there could be something else
going on.

INJURY: Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is a small crack in a
bone, often caused by overuse. These
injuries are most common in people
who participate in running and sports
like soccer and basketball. Typically,
stress fractures occur when suddenly
increasing workout intensity or
changing a workout surface.
Symptoms: Pain is usually the No. 1
symptom of a stress fracture. You may
also notice bruising, tenderness to the
touch and swelling at the injury site.
Treatment: Seek urgent care from
an orthopedic doctor. It's important to
see a doctor as soon as possible if you
suspect a fracture.

INJURY: Rotator Cuff Tear

According to the American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), in 2008,
almost 2 million people in the United
States visited a doctor because of rotator
cuff issues.

Comprehensive Care for Athletes
Gwinnett Medical Center treats the whole athlete-and not just after
injuries. Sure, GMC has fellowship-trained physicians to heal broken
bones and mend torn tendons, but it also has running experts trained
to prepare you for your first 5K. To learn more about GMC's
comprehensive sports medicine program, or to find an orthopedic
surgeon in your area, visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/sports.

Because your rotator cuff is located
in your shoulder, an injury can occur
from a fall, like taking a dive for the
volleyball in the backyard or your dog
pulling you down on your evening
walk. Also, a rotator cuff tear can occur
from a repetitive activity like tennis
or weightlifting.
Symptoms: Pain at rest and at night,
especially when lying on the affected
shoulder, pain when lifting and lowering
your arm, and weakness when rotating
or lifting your arm.
Treatment: See an orthopedic doctor.
If you suspect you have a rotator cuff
tear, it's important to see a specialist. To
confirm your diagnosis, your doctor will
conduct several tests, as well as imaging.

INJURY: Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's elbow is a condition that causes
pain where the tendons of your forearm
muscles attach to the inside of your
elbow. Even though the name suggests
this is a golfer's injury, it can also affect
those who participate in racquet sports,
throwing sports and weightlifting.
Symptoms: Pain and tenderness on
the inside of your elbow, stiffness, pain
when trying to make a fist, weakness
in the hand and wrist, and numbness
and tingling into the hand and fingers.
Treatment: Home treatment is
effective. Make sure to rest, ice the
affected area and use over-the-counter
pain relievers as needed. If the symptoms
don't go away after a couple of weeks,
it's time to make an appointment with
an orthopedic doctor.

INJURY: Tennis Elbow

Similar to golfer's elbow, tennis elbow
causes pain where the tendons of your
forearm muscles attach to the outside
of your elbow.
Symptoms: Typical symptoms
include pain or burning on the outer
part of your elbow and weak grip
strength. The symptoms usually
intensify when you complete activities
that use the forearm, like holding
a racquet.
Treatment: According to the AAOS,
80 to 95 percent of patients have
success with nonsurgical treatment.
The first steps would be rest, ice and
anti-inflammatories to help reduce pain
and swelling. If you still have pain after
a few weeks, schedule an appointment
with an orthopedic doctor.

INJURY: Anterior Cruciate
Ligament Tear

Athletes who participate in sports like
soccer, football and basketball are more
likely to injure their anterior cruciate
ligaments. This injury is more likely if
there is damage to other ligaments in
the knee.
Symptoms: You may hear a
popping sound and feel your knee
give out at the time of injury. You'll
also experience severe pain and
swelling at the injury site and have
difficulty moving your knee.
Treatment: It's important to seek
immediate medical attention. Urgent
care clinicians can stabilize the knee
and refer you to an orthopedic doctor. n
SUMME R 2017

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http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/sports
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