When to See a Sports Medicine Doctor?

If you’re an athlete, you know the importance of staying in top physical shape. But sometimes, even with the best care, you can still end up with an injury. That’s when it’s time to see a sports medicine doctor.

But how do you know when you need to see a sports medicine doctor? Keep reading to find out.

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When to See a Sports Medicine Doctor

A sports medicine doctor is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illnesses related to physical activity. If you are an athlete, or even just someone who enjoys being active, it’s important to know when to see a sports medicine doctor. In this article, we will go over some of the most common injuries and illnesses that sports medicine doctors treat, as well as when you should see one.

If you have a sports injury

If you have a sports injury, you might think you can just tough it out and keep playing. But that’s not always the best idea. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your injury is to see a doctor who specializes in sports medicine.

Sports medicine doctors are specially trained to diagnose and treat injuries that happen during physical activity. They understand how your body moves and how different types of injuries can affect your performance. They also know a lot about different types of treatments, including both traditional and alternative methods.

If you’re injured, see a sports medicine doctor if:
-You have pain that doesn’t go away with rest or icing
-You have swelling that doesn’t go down with over-the-counter medication
-You have bruising that lasts longer than a week
-You can’t put any weight on your injured limb
-Your joint feels unstable or like it might give out
-You hear a popping sound when the injury occurs

If you have a chronic condition that affects your ability to participate in sports

Chronic conditions that may require a referral to a sports medicine doctor include but are not limited to:
-Arthritis
-Osteoporosis
-Diabetes
-High blood pressure
-High cholesterol

If you are a competitive athlete

If you are a competitive athlete, you may benefit from seeing a sports medicine doctor. These doctors are specially trained to evaluate and treat athletes. They can help you stay healthy and perform your best.

Sports medicine doctors can provide many services, including:

-Diagnosing and treating injuries
-Creating training and rehabilitation programs
-Helping you prevent injuries
-Monitoring your health and fitness
-Providing nutritional counseling
-Coordinating your care with other healthcare providers

How to Find a Sports Medicine Doctor

There are a number of reasons why you might see a sports medicine doctor. You might have an injury that requires treatment, or you might want to prevent an injury from happening. You might also have a condition that affects your ability to play sports. Whatever the reason, it’s important to find a sports medicine doctor that you can trust.

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral

Your primary care doctor is a good place to start when you’re looking for a sports medicine doctor. He or she can give you a referral to a specialist who has training in sports medicine.

Check with your insurance company

If you have a regular doctor, he or she may be able to refer you to a good sports medicine doctor. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company to make sure that the doctor you want to see is covered by your insurance plan.

Look for a doctor who is certified by the American Board of Sports Medicine

You can find a sports medicine doctor by asking your regular doctor for a referral, looking up “sports medicine” in the phone book, or searching the Internet. You can also check with the American Board of Family Medicine, the American Board of Internal Medicine, or the American Osteopathic Association.

When you call a doctor’s office, ask if the doctor is certified by the American Board of Sports Medicine (ABMS). ABMS is a not-for-profit organization that certifies doctors who have completed an accredited residency program and passed a rigorous exam. To maintain certification, doctors must complete continuing education credits every six years.

In addition to ABMS certification, some states require sports medicine doctors to have a license to practice. Doctors who treat athletes also may be certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), or other organizations.

What to Expect When You See a Sports Medicine Doctor

If you’ve been injured while playing a sport, you may be wondering if you need to see a sports medicine doctor. The answer to this question depends on the severity of your injury. If you’ve suffered a minor injury, such as a sprained ankle, you may be able to recover at home with the help of over-the-counter medication and rest. However, if you’ve suffered a more serious injury, such as a torn ACL, you’ll likely need to see a sports medicine doctor for treatment.

The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination

The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. The medical history will include questions about your symptoms, how long you have had them, and whether you have had any recent injuries. The physical examination will assess your range of motion, strength, flexibility, and joint stability. The doctor may also order x-rays or other imaging tests to help diagnose your condition.

The doctor may order tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scan

When you see a sports medicine doctor, he or she will take a complete medical history and ask about your symptoms, when they started, and what makes them worse. You will also be asked about your past medical history, any medications you are taking, and any allergies you have. The doctor will perform a physical exam.

The doctor may order tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scan, to diagnose your condition. In some cases, the doctor may recommend surgery to repair the damage.

The doctor will develop a treatment plan, which may include medication, physical therapy, or surgery

After taking your medical history and conducting a physical examination, the sports medicine doctor will develop a treatment plan. The plan may include medication, physical therapy, or surgery. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, improve function, and prevent further injury.