Sports Medicine Specialist

What sports injuries are most common?

Some of the most common sports injuries include:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Meniscus tears
• Tears of ligaments in the knee
• Muscle sprains and strains
• Shin splints
• Golfer’s elbow
• Shoulder impingement
• Achilles tendon ruptures
• Shoulder instability

What causes sports injuries?

Playing a sport is fun and sports can provide good exercise for people of all ages, but they can also take a toll on the body. In some cases, sports injuries occur because an athlete doesn’t take steps to protect their body while engaging in a sporting event. However, even when athletes warm up properly, stretch their muscles, and avoid overexertion, they can still sustain injuries.

Injuries may occur during collisions with stationary objects or other people. Athletes may also sustain injuries if they fall, twist, hyperextend, or otherwise cause trauma to a part of the body.

How does Dr. Calonje diagnose sports injuries?

When a patient comes in with a sports injury, Dr. Calonje will begin by performing a thorough physical examination. He will also ask questions about the patient’s history, the events leading up to the injury, and the symptoms. In many cases, Dr. Calonje will order imaging tests. Based on the results, he will arrive at a diagnosis.

What treatments are available?

South Florida Sports Medicine and Primary Care offers a variety of treatment options to patients with sports injuries. The goal of treatment is to alleviate pain, improve the stability of the injured area, and help the patient return to their normal activity as soon as possible. The recommended course of treatment will depend on the specifics of the injury.

If possible, Dr. Calonje will always use non-surgical, conservative treatments to deal with sports injuries. Examples of non-surgical treatments for sports injuries include joint injections, physical therapy, and medication. If these treatments aren’t successful, or if the injury is too severe, Dr. Calonje may recommend surgery to repair damaged tissue and restore normal function.

How quickly can patients return to sports after an injury?

Each case is unique. Some injuries heal quickly with minimal intervention, while others require more extensive, ongoing treatment. Dr. Calonje will provide individual patients with more details about the expected length of their recovery period.