As the number of professional and amateur athletes grows, the need for specialized medical treatment for these athletes grows with it. In order to remain competitive and healthy, athletes require specific treatment for their various physical, psychological, and nutritional needs. In answer to these new demands of elite and dedicated athletes, the field of sports medicine has emerged.
Dr. Savage and his staff have experience treating athletes from little league through high school and college level athletes. Adult athletes such as marathon runners and cyclist also may have need for orthopedic surgery evaluation. Innovations such as arthroscopic surgery have allowed athletes of all ages to recover from surgery more quickly.
Sports medicine problems commonly seen include: joint injuries of the ankle, knee, shoulder, and elbow. These may be simple sprains that resolve with rest, alternative training, and sometimes medication. Occasionally braces are used to return athletes to their sport sooner and decrease the chance of injury to the same area.
Muscles and tendons can also be torn while participating in sports like basketball or softball. These require surgery to repair and reattach the damaged structure to allow for return to athletic activities. Physical therapy helps injured athletes return to their sport of choice more quickly after surgery or injury.
