When Is a Sports Injury Enough to Seek Treatment?

Most athletes or their parents know minor injuries can be treated effectively with the RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Thankfully, these self-care tactics are sufficient to resolve most minor injuries within a few weeks; however, it’s essential to understand when sports injury treatment is needed.

When it’s time to see a physician

Sometimes knowing when to seek medical treatment for a sports injury can be tricky, especially if there isn’t obvious trauma or if the symptoms don’t get in the way of playing. If you answer ‘true’ to the any of the statements below, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a specialized sports medicine doctor:

• You have a mild to moderate sports injury that hasn’t gone away with a week or more of rest and home treatment.
• You have an injury or condition that affects training or performance that has not been diagnosed or treated.
• You have an injury or condition that may pose a risk to your teammates or competitors.

When it’s time to seek urgent care

While most sports injuries can be treated safely at home, there are some rare cases in which an injury is severe enough that it needs to be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. The Pomona Valley Health Centers offer conveniently located urgent care facilities in Chino Hills, Claremont and La Verne. Here are the most common signs someone needs urgent medical care:

• Any head injury that involves loss of consciousness, disorientation or confusion
• A joint or bone is clearly broken, dislocated or deformed
• Inability to support weight or tolerate pressure on the affected area
• Extreme pain that’s getting worse
• Paralysis, tingling or numbness
• Unsteady breathing or pulse
• Noticeable paleness

No matter what type of muscle or skeletal pain you’re dealing with, PVHC has the treatment options you need to get back on the playing field. Our sports medicine doctors are specialized in nonsurgical orthopedic treatment and rehabilitation for all ages and abilities. When you need safe, effective, leading edge sports injury treatment contact the experienced physicians at PVHC.