While orthopedic medicine
specializes in the prevention and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal
system, a new field of expertise has developed within that specialty area.
Sports Medicine focuses on preventing and treating injuries that result
from participating in an athletic activity. The activity may be an
Olympic event or just a Sunday morning jog. Sports-related injuries
can range from simple sprains and strains to serious head and spinal cord
injuries.
The appropriate treatment
for sports related injuries depends on the type of injury and its severity.
The primary goal of Sports Medicine is to educate the public about preventing
the injury in the first place. With proper warm up and cool down
exercises and using the appropriate equipment correctly, most sports-related
injuries could be prevented. Encouraging people to pick activities
and sports that fit them is critical. Many injuries occur to the
“weekend warrior” who sits at a desk all week. Then, when Saturday
morning comes, the warrior decides to go out and run 10 miles or bicycle
for three hours. The body is not adequately built up and prepared
for that stress and injuries occur.
