Sports Medicine

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to seek the help of a sports medicine doctor. Dr. George Stollsteimer, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, says his patients could be injured farmers, house husbands or softball players. He treats injuries in the muscles, joints, and ligaments in people who are active. Many of the issues involve rotator cuff tears in the shoulder, meniscus tears in the knees or problems in the hips.

Dr. Stollsteimer says a majority of his patients do not require surgery. In fact, fewer than 20-percent go under the knife. Pain relief is often found with rest, ice, compression, anti-inflammatory medications, injections and physical therapy. He says if you have pain that lasts for more than a week, make an appointment, because putting treatment off can cause more damage.

While there are no ways to avoid injuries from accidental twists and falls, there are things you can do to keep yourself healthy. Keep your weight in check and stay active. If you want to play basketball with friends this weekend, get out and exercise this week. Keeping yourself physically fit is a good way to help prevent problems while being a weekend warrior is never a good idea.

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