Sports Injuries

If you hurt yourself while running or playing sports, visit urgent care immediately. The sooner you receive treatment, the sooner you can return to your favorite activities. At Durango Urgent Care, board-certified emergency medicine specialist Kimberlee Yeargin, MD, boasts years of experience diagnosing and treating sports injuries. To make an appointment, call the office in Durango, Colorado, or book online today.

What are sports injuries?

Sports injuries occur during high-impact activities like dancing, running, or playing sports. Anyone can experience sports injuries, but they’re most common in children and teens due to their rapidly growing bodies. You’re also more likely to experience sports injuries if you play contact sports, like hockey, football, or rugby.

If you hurt yourself while exercising, stop whatever you’re doing. After a physical exam and diagnostic imaging, your Durango Urgent Care provider can determine the severity of the injury and make treatment recommendations.

What are some examples of sports injuries?

At Durango Urgent Care, the urgent care specialists treat various sports injuries, including:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Knee injuries
• Swollen muscles
• Ruptured tendons
• Fractures 
• Dislocated joints

You might also benefit from treatment at Durango Urgent Care if you experience a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is a group of four ligaments that hold your shoulder joint in position, providing it with a full range of motion.

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

To diagnose a sports injury, your Durango Urgent Care provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you noticed them, if they extend into other parts of your body, and if they’re worse during certain activities. 

Next, your provider performs a physical exam. They check the part of your body causing discomfort, looking for redness, bruising, or swelling. Your provider gently presses on your skin to pinpoint areas of sensitivity and tests your muscle strength and range of motion.

If necessary, they might also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an MRI, to get a closer look at your bones, joints, and soft tissues.

How are sports injuries treated?

Treatment of sports injuries depends on various factors, including your age, health history, and the severity of your symptoms. Your Durango Urgent Care provider might recommend:

• Ice
• Rest
• Elevation
• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics
• Mobility devices, like crutches or a cane
• Wearing comfortable shoes
• Stretches
• Strengthening exercises
• Activity modification

You might also benefit from healthy lifestyle changes, like losing weight, eating a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water. If you have a serious injury and need surgery, Durango Urgent Care can refer you to a nearby orthopedic specialist.

To explore the treatment options for sports injuries, make an appointment at Durango Urgent Care by calling the office or booking online today.