Not every athletic injury needs an orthopedic visit — but some injuries that seem minor can cause lasting damage if they go undiagnosed. Seek an orthopedic sports medicine evaluation for:
- Knee injuries involving popping, swelling, instability, or locking (possible ACL, meniscus, or cartilage involvement)
- Shoulder instability, dislocations, or persistent pain with overhead activity
- Ankle sprains that haven't improved after two to three weeks of conservative care
- Suspected stress fractures — deep, localized bone pain that worsens with activity
- Tendon injuries (Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff) that aren't responding to rest
- Elbow pain in throwing athletes
- Hip or groin pain in runners, cyclists, or soccer players
- Any injury where swelling, bruising, or loss of function is significant
Sports medicine orthopedic providers understand the demands of athletic activity and work to get you back to what you love — with a plan focused on restoring performance, not just managing pain
