Set Realistic Expectations Following Sports Surgery
“She’s retorn her ACL? How could that possibly happen? Well, let’s get it fixed, she has more college showcases in six months.” In sports today, there are three unfortunate realities on a collision course: • focus on single sport specialization, • increased competitive exposure time, • and the adoption of a professional sports model for youth and recreational athletics. All of these place athletes at higher injury risk. Another issue is the growing public assumption — fueled
Don’t Overdo the Ibuprofen
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a class that includes naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), celecoxib (Celebrex), and diclofenac (Voltaren) among others, are the most commonly used medications among active adults. While many NSAIDs are available over-the-counter, these medications are not completely benign, especially when taken beyond recommended dosages. NSAIDs work by limiting the body’s ability to produce prostaglandins, chemicals important in the b
PRP Myths and Truths Debunked
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become increasingly popular over the past several years. The media has helped to fuel this popularity by profiling elite athletes returning to form after treatment with PRP. Patients often ask about treatment with PRP after hearing about Tiger Woods, Raphael Nadal, Hines Ward, Alex Rodriguez, and other players’ responses to their treatments. Unfortunately, there is little information on exactly what treatment these individuals received or what w
Recreational Activity Injury Rates Common Across All Age Groups
Participation in recreational athletics has become increasingly popular and common. In the 2008 census, more than 250 million Americans noted they were actively involved in recreational athletics and exercise. 1 Risks for injury and injury types vary greatly by age. More than 3.7 million people visit the emergency department (ED) each year for sports-related injuries. 2 Another 3.5 million people seek care in an outpatient setting. With the aging population, and emphasis on a
