Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Specialist

Physicians Medical Group of San Jose -  - Primary Care

Physicians Medical Group of San Jose

Primary Care and Specialty Care located in San Jose, CA

If you play sports or live a physically active lifestyle, orthopedics and sports medicine can lower your risk of injuries and improve your training. At Physicians Medical Group of San Jose in San Jose, California, the team offers a wide range of orthopedics and sports medicine treatments. Whether you’re getting ready to run a marathon and want to ease into training or you’ve pulled a muscle and need help recovering, the team at Physicians Medical Group of San Jose can help. Call your Physicians Medical Group of San Jose physician today!

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Q & A

What is orthopedics?

Orthopedics focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing problems that affect the musculoskeletal system, including back pain, joint pain, and soft tissue injuries.

It also works to treat disease and disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves, tendons, and skin. 

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine is similar to orthopedics. It also diagnoses, treats, and prevents musculoskeletal injuries; specifically, those caused by playing sports or participating in strenuous physical activity. 

In addition to relieving pain and inflammation, sports medicine works to speed up your recovery process, allowing you to return to the court or playing field as soon as possible. 

Who is at risk of suffering a sports injury?

Sports injuries affect active people of all ages, but they’re especially common in children and teenagers because their bones and soft tissues are still growing. You’re also more likely to suffer a sports injury if:

  • You don’t exercise regularly
  • You don’t warm up prior to exercise
  • You play contact sports

Practicing good posture, wearing proper safety equipment, and taking the time to stretch prior to physical activity can significantly lower your risk of a sprain, strain, fracture, or another type of sports-related injury. 

What types of injuries does orthopedics and sports medicine treat?

At Physicians Medical Group of San Jose, the orthopedics and sports medicine experts diagnose and treat a wide range of common problems, including:

  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Knee injuries
  • Swollen muscles
  • Arthritis in joints
  • Achilles tendon ruptures
  • Fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Rotator cuff injuries

You might also benefit from orthopedics if you regularly experience lower back or neck pain. 

How are orthopedic and sports injuries diagnosed?

To diagnose an orthopedic or sports-related injury, your Physicians Medical Group of San Jose provider conducts a physical exam and asks you about the circumstances of your injury. Your doctor also observes your gait and posture and gently presses on your joints and skin to pinpoint areas of tenderness. If these measures don’t provide enough information, they might also order a series of X-rays or an MRI to get a closer look at your bones, joints, and soft tissues. 

How are orthopedic and sports injuries treated?

Treatment for orthopedic and sports-related injuries depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Usually, the team recommends conservative treatments such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol), custom-made orthotics, or physical therapy. 

If your symptoms persist or get worse, your doctor might recommend treatment with injections. At Physicians Medical Group of San Jose, the team regularly administers corticosteroid shots, facet joint injections, epidural injections, and medial branch blocks.

In some instances, surgical intervention may be necessary. Thanks to modern treatment techniques and tools, however, the majority of orthopedic operations are minimally invasive. 

Call your Physicians Medical Group of San Jose physician today!