Our Orthopedic Doctors In Wichita Help Athletes Recover and Return to the Field Of Play
Despite the numerous innovations that have been made in protective equipment, football players remain the most likely to sustain injuries compared to every other major sport. Football’s high-contact nature combined with the speed of play mean that every player – even punters and placekickers – face some degree of risk.
When it comes to football injuries, advanced orthopedics and sports medicine can help players make a full recovery so they may compete again. Orthopedic physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Parents of injured student-athletes should make an appointment with the orthopedic doctors at Mid-America Orthopedics in Wichita for an examination. Keep reading to learn more about the most common football injuries and how advanced orthopedic methods manage them.
Common Football Injuries and the Role Of Advanced Orthopedics
Every play on the gridiron involves some level of contact. Hitting and tackling make the game exciting to watch, but also explain why so many players get injured. Keep reading to discover the most common football injuries our advanced orthopedic and sports medicine doctors treat so your child can get back on the field. We can accommodate same-day or next-day appointments for your child’s orthopedic-related football injury. Contact us to request an appointment.
Ankle Injuries
Ankle injuries occur when players roll or twist their ankle during a sudden change in direction, planting or pivoting their foot, or when landing awkwardly. Sprains, strains, and fractures are the most common ankle injuries.
How our orthopedic doctors treat ankle injuries:
- Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE): For minor sprains and strains, the RICE method is often the first line of treatment to reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical therapy: Ankle strengthening and flexibility exercises help restore range of motion and stability.
- Bracing or taping: Braces or athletic tape can provide additional support during recovery and prevent further injury.
- Surgery: In cases of severe ligament tears or fractures, surgical intervention may be required to stabilize the joint and facilitate healing. In some surgical cases, time is important, so you’ll want to have your student athlete seen as soon as possible at our Wichita practice.
Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are particularly common in football, especially injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus. These injuries often occur during sudden stops, sharp changes in direction, or direct collisions with other players.
How our orthopedic doctors treat knee injuries:
- ACL injuries: Depending on the severity, treatment options may include professional physical therapy, bracing, or surgical reconstruction. ACL surgery is often reserved as a last resort to relieve knee pain and restore joint stability.
- Meniscus tears: Treatment for meniscus tears varies based on the severity of the tear. Minor tears can heal with rest and physical therapy, while severe cases may require advanced orthopedic treatment or surgical repair.
- Patellar tendonitis or dislocation: Knee injuries can occur through repeated use or making a sudden change in direction that causes the kneecap to slide out of place. Orthopedic doctors may use a combination of physical therapy, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medications to treat tendonitis or patellar dislocations.
Contact our Wichita advanced orthopedic doctors to schedule an exam for knee injuries.
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries in football can result from direct impact, overuse, or improper tackling technique. Quarterbacks are especially high-risk for shoulder injuries due to the strain throwing puts on the shoulder joint.
How our orthopedic doctors treat shoulder injuries:
- Shoulder dislocations: Advanced orthopedic and sports medicine doctors may use closed reduction, which is a non-invasive procedure that maneuvers the shoulder joint back into place.
- Rotator cuff tears: Minor tears may respond to conservative treatments such as rest, ice, and physical therapy. Severe tears often require surgical repair to fully restore function.
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries: AC joint treatments vary based on the severity of the separation, ranging from rest and immobilization to surgical repair.
Bone Fractures
Fractures in football commonly occur in the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones due to high-impact collisions or falls. Fractures can be a small, minor hairline crack or as severe as an open fracture, requiring immediate medical attention.
How our orthopedic doctors treat bone fractures:
- Immobilization: Fractures are typically treated with immobilization using a cast or brace to keep the bone in place while it heals.
- Surgical intervention: Severe fractures may require using pins, plates, or screws to realign and stabilize the bone.
- Rehabilitation: After immobilization or surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation helps injured athletes regain strength, mobility, and function in the affected area.
How Our Athletic Trainers Help Prevent Football Injuries
Proper athletic training and conditioning can significantly reduce the likelihood of injury. Our athletic trainers and strength coaches at Mid-America Orthopedics work with players to enhance their strength, flexibility, and technique, which helps protect the body against common football injuries.
Here’s how our athletic training programs can make a difference:
- Strength training: Building muscle strength, particularly in the core, legs, and shoulders, helps support the joints and reduces the risk of ligament and tendon injuries.
- Flexibility exercises: Stretching and flexibility exercises improve range of motion and reduce the risk of muscle strains and sprains.
- Balance and stability training: Exercises that enhance balance and stability help players maintain control during sudden movements, reducing the risk of falls and joint injuries.
- Proper tackling techniques: Learning and practicing safe tackling techniques minimizes the risk of concussions and shoulder injuries.
- Conditioning programs: Conditioning helps players develop endurance and resilience, reducing the risk of fatigue-related injuries.
By combining these training elements with regular assessments by our Wichita advanced orthopedic doctors, players can stay in peak condition and reduce the risk of injury on the field.
Contact us today to learn more about athletic training or to schedule a session for your student-athlete.
How to Schedule an Appointment With an Advanced Orthopedic Doctor
Football is a thrilling sport that showcases the value of teamwork, strength, and skill; however, the high-intensity nature of the game makes players more susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries.
With the right orthopedic care and preventive measures, football players can recover from their injuries and make a safe return to the gridiron. Investing in proper athletic training and following safety protocols also helps minimize the risk of injury, allowing players to enjoy the game they love while staying healthy and injury-free.
Call (316) 630-9300 to schedule an exam with one of our orthopedic doctors. You can also email us questions about football injuries and our athletic training programs using our contact form.