Sports Medicine Specialist
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Restoration Orthopedics
Orthopedic Surgeons & Sports Medicine located in Naples, FL
Sports medicine focuses on treating and rehabilitating competitive athletes, as well as anyone who suffers an injury while staying active. Philip Regala, MD, in Naples, Florida, has years of experience treating athletes at the youth, high school, collegiate, and professional level. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Regala welcomes patients of all ages who need help with an acute or overuse injury. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature.
Sports Medicine Q & A
What are the most common sports injuries?
Sports injuries frequently occur due to an accident that occurs during the game. However, you’re also more likely to suffer an injury if you’re not in good condition, don’t warm up properly before your activity, or you use improper technique.
These are a few examples of common sports injuries:
- Ankle sprains
- Knee sprains
- ACL tears
- Tendonitis
- Shoulder dislocations
- Meniscus tears
- Hip sprains and strains
Overuse injuries occur more often than acute injuries. When you frequently repeat the same movement, bones, and soft tissues develop microinjuries that gradually become a more serious tear or stress fracture.
You may be at risk for an overuse injury if you suddenly ramp up your activity, exercise too long without allowing time for rest and recovery, or you engage in activities that use the same muscles. Poor technique can also lead to an overuse injury.
What symptoms develop due to sports injuries?
As a group, musculoskeletal injuries cause:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Joint instability
- Limited movement
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Knee locking
- Inability to use the affected limb
If your sports injury causes nerve damage, you may also experience tingling or numbness along the path of the nerve.
How do sports medicine specialists treat injuries?
Dr. Regala develops a customized treatment plan that focuses on relieving your pain, healing the underlying problem, and restoring optimal strength and performance so you can get back to your activity.
Your treatment may include a wide range of approaches, such as:
- Applying heat and cold
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Temporary immobilization
- Limiting exercise time
- Limiting specific repetitive movements
- Learning the proper technique
- Training to achieve balance
Depending on the severity of your injury and how long your symptoms last, Dr. Regala may recommend a corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. PRP injections accelerate healing, regulate inflammation, and trigger the growth of tissues such as ligaments, cartilage, and muscles. PRP is a good option when you injure tissues that have a poor blood supply or your injury is slow healing.
Surgery is usually the last option when conservative therapies don’t help. However, some injuries require immediate surgery to ensure the tissues heal properly and you regain full strength.
You’ll receive expert care for sport injuries from Philip Regala, MD. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book an appointment online.
