San Diego Orthopaedic Associates Medical Group, Inc.

Sports injuries occur when playing indoor or outdoor sports or while exercising. Sports injuries can result from accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises. The most common sports injuries are sprains and strains, fractures, and dislocations. The most common treatment recommended for injury is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). - Rest: Avoid activities that may cause injury - Ice: Ice packs can be applied to the injured area which will help to diminish swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel to the affected area for 15-20 minutes four times a day for several days. Never place ice directly over the skin - Compression: Compression of the injured area helps to reduce swelling. Elastic wraps, air casts, and splints can accomplish this - Elevation: Elevate the injured part above heart level to reduce swelling and pain. Some of the measures that are followed to prevent sports related injuries include: - Follow an exercise program to strengthen the muscles - Gradually increase your exercise level and avoid overdoing the exercise - Ensure that you wear properly-fitted protective gear such as elbow guards, eye gear, facemasks, mouth guards, and pads, comfortable clothes, and athletic shoes before playing any sports activity which will help to reduce the chances of injury - Make sure that you follow warm up and cool down exercises before and after sports activity. Exercises will help to stretch the muscles, increase flexibility, and reduce soft tissue injuries - Avoid exercising immediately after eating a large meal - Maintain a healthy diet which will nourish the muscles - Avoid playing when you are injured or tired. Take a break for some time after playing - Learn all the rules of the game you are participating in - Ensure that you are physically fit to play the sport

Hip joint and knee joint replacements are helping people of all ages live pain- free, active lives. Joints are formed by the ends of two or more bones connected by tissue called cartilage. Healthy cartilage serves as a protective cushion, allowing smooth, low-friction movement of the joint. If the cartilage becomes damaged by disease or injury, the tissues around the joint become inflamed, causing pain. With time, the cartilage wears away, allowing the rough edges of bone to rub against each other, causing more pain. When only some of the joint is damaged, a surgeon may be able to repair or replace just the damaged parts. When the entire joint is damaged, a total joint replacement is done. To replace a total hip or knee joint, a surgeon removes the diseased or damaged parts and inserts artificial parts, called prostheses or implants.

The hand and wrist work together to allow you to perform activities of daily living, as well as participating in athletic and artistic endeavors. Working with your hands is not only functionally important, but can enhance our humanity. The goal of hand surgery is to treat pathology caused by overuse trauma, inflammatory or degenerative processes. Restoration of function and resolution of symptoms, such as pain, are critical goals of our discipline. Most conditions are amenable to initial non-operative management. However, in cases in which surgery is required, we strive to preserve anatomy and utilize minimally invasive, and the most up-to-date procedures. Below is a list of a select hand pathologies and treatments including basic information regarding each condition. We would be happy to evaluate your problem and consult with you regarding any of these topics in order to educate you about your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.