When Is a Prolonged Injury a Problem?

Sports injuries are common and can range from mild to severe. When your athletes experience pain or discomfort, it’s essential to understand when it’s time to seek medical attention.

Ignoring an injury and continuing to train or play through the pain can cause further damage and prolong an athlete’s recovery time.

Here are the prevailing signs that an injury requires medical attention:

• Persistent pain that does not go away, even with rest, ice, compression, and elevation
• Pain that interferes with daily activities, such as walking or sleeping
• Swelling that persists for an extended period and does not subside with rest and ice
• Limited range of motion due to the injury
• Inability to move a joint or body part, or feeling a “pop” or “snap” when moving, could indicate a serious injury such as a fracture or ligament tear
• Numbness or tingling in the affected area, which can be a sign of nerve damage

In general, if the injury is not improving after several days or weeks of rest and rehabilitation, it is time to see a doctor. Chronic pain, swelling, and limited range of motion could be signs of a more severe injury that requires medical intervention.

If your athlete has any of the above symptoms, it’s time to seek medical attention. The doctors at Orthopedic Associates can offer the expert care and attention your athlete needs. Call (314) 569-0612 and ask for our sports medicine specialists today.