Sports Injuries: When to go to Urgent Care, ER, or Sports Medicine

Sports injuries can happen to any athlete, at any age. Whether you're a student athlete, in a recreational league, a weekend fitness warrior, or anything in between, increased physical activity can increase your risk of injury.

If injuries arise, understanding where to seek care can make all the difference in recovery, helping you receive timely treatment while avoiding unnecessary costs and delays. Learn about which injuries are most appropriate for urgent care, emergency services, or sports medicine.

Top 10 Most Common Sports Injuries

Many sports have certain movements and physical demands in common, which can result in similar injuries. Depending on the sport, one injury could be more common than the other. Here are the top 10 most common sports injuries:

• Sprains (ankle and wrist)
• Muscle or tendon strains (hamstrings and lower back)
• Knee injuries (ACL or meniscus tears)
• Tendinitis - inflammation of the elbow or shoulder
• Stress fracture commonly in feet or shins
• Overuse injuries - tennis or golf elbow
• Shoulder rotator cuff tears and dislocations
• Concussions
• Fractures or broken bones
• Shin splints

When to Go to Urgent Care

Urgent care is best for non-life-threatening injuries that need to be treated on the same day. Opting for urgent care over the emergency room has several advantages including shorter wait times, walk-ins (no appointment), extended hours, and is more cost-effective. Urgent care can also have their own X-ray imaging for fast results of bone breaks or fractures.

You can go to urgent care for:

• Sprains or strains
• Fractures
• Minor cuts or lacerations that may require stitches

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Sports or recreational injuries are the second leading cause of emergency room visits for children and adolescents. Jessica Pecor, Registered Nurse and Director of Emergency Services at Frederick Health Hospital said the sports-related injuries most appropriate for the ER are;

• Head injuries and/or concussions with loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, severe headache, or seizure activity
• Suspected factures with obvious deformity
• Neck or back injuries, especially with numbness, tingling, or weakness.
• Severe, uncontrolled bleeding
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or collapse during activity
• Severe abdominal pain or trauma to the abdomen/chest
• Eye injuries

When to See a Sports Medicine Doctor

After an injury, all you want to do is get back in the game. But without proper care, injuries can repeat and put you out of the game for even longer. If an injury is interfering with your day-to-day life, it may be time to see a sports medicine provider.

Sports medicine providers specialize in treating and preventing sports-related injuries, complex physical injuries, and helping athletes and active individuals safely return to their active lifestyles.

Dr. Lawrence Enweze, an orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon with Frederick Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, said it might be time for sports medicine when you experience:

• Persistent pain or discomfort that lasts 1 to 2 weeks without improving
• Joint instability
• Continued injuries from overuse
• Limited range of motion
• Injuries requiring surgery
• Hard to bear weight
• Neurological sensations like numbness or tingling

Sports Injury Care in Frederick, Maryland

If you're recovering from a sports injury, Frederick Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine can help you recover safely and return to your activity with confidence. Our experienced physicians and surgeons develop a specialized recovery plan that's personalized for your activity levels and goals.

Ready to get back to the sport you love? Call 301-663-9573 or visit FrederickHealth.org/SportsMedicine for more information.