Due to the nature of their profession, athletes are highly likely to suffer from several medical problems, which are either directly or indirectly related to the physical activities they carry out daily. The most common of these medical problems are injuries and infectious diseases.

An injured or infected athlete is at risk of severe complications if they continue their physical activity. Hence, they need to seek treatment right away.

Let’s discuss the four most common sports injuries and diseases in athletes:

1. Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis

Tennis elbow (scientific name: lateral epicondylitis) is a medical condition characterized by pain in the forearm and backside of the elbow. It also causes pain along the side of the thumb when the arm runs along with the body with the thumb turned away. The pain is caused due to damaged tendons. These tendons bend the wrist backward, away from the palm, causing pain.

Golfer\’s/baseball elbow (scientific name: medial epicondylitis) is a condition that causes pain from the wrist to the elbow on the front (palm) side of the forearm. Damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm usually causes this pain.

You can use topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroid injections to treat epicondylitis. Please consult a doctor before you take any of these drugs.

2. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common sports injuries related to extreme feet and leg activities. The lack of proper support usually causes plantar fasciitis. The injury is characterized by the inflammation of a tendon in the foot’s arch. This inflammation causes sharp pain with every step.

Plantar fasciitis is common with joggers, runners, and basketball and soccer players. A tried-and-tested way to prevent plantar fasciitis is a proper stretching routine and occasional rest. If the condition is serious, a doctor might also suggest anti-inflammatory agents or surgery.

3. Warts

Warts are hard growths on the skin that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a viral infection passed between people via skin-to-skin contact. Anyone can develop warts, but athletes are usually the victims because they come in contact with contaminated locker room mats, floors, and training gear daily. Warts are usually light brown, yellowish, or flesh-colored.

There are several treatment options available for warts. Some of them cause slight discomfort, and hence, you need time off to recover. These options include:

• Curettage – uses a special tool to scrape off the wart.
• Cryotherapy – uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart.
• Laser therapy – uses a laser to burn and destroy the wart.
• Topical therapy – uses a blistering agent on the surface of the wart.

4. Patellofemoral Syndrome

Lastly, one of the most common sports injuries is the jumper’s knee or runner’s knee (scientific name: patellofemoral syndrome). This condition is usually a result of the repetitive movement of your kneecap against your thigh bone. This movement can damage the tissue under the kneecap. Volleyball players, runners, and basketball players usually suffer from this condition that can affect either one or both knees at a time.

Patellofemoral pain can take up to six weeks to diminish, so it is very important to stay patient. Rest your knee and ice it to reduce the swelling and lower the pain. Always elevate your leg on a cushion when you sit or lie down. Do stretching and strengthening exercises and if needed, take ibuprofen or naproxen to treat the pain after consulting your doctor.

See a Doctor to Treat Athletic Injuries and Diseases

Suffering from an athletic injury? Head over to irvingprimarycare.com today! Our expert providers can diagnose the most common sports injuries and suggest suitable treatment options for them. To make an appointment with a provider at irvingprimarycare.com, visit https://www.healthonemedicine.com/ or call (469)262-5762.