Welcome to our Sports Injury Page!

Here you will find various conditions relating to sports injuries. If you or someone you know has suffered a sports related injury and need more information, please contact our office today for more information at (909) 989-6980. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your injury or treatment options. Our doctor is trained various treatment techniques to speed up your recovery and get you back in the game.

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Sports injuries are one of the leading causes of chiropractic visits each year.

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Sports related injuries can occur to a number of different structures in the body and are often a combination of injury to various tissues, including: muscles, ligaments and bone. Some of the most common types of sports injuries include:

Bursitis

Tendonitis

Tendonitis refers to the inflammation of a tendon, which is the connective tissue that joins muscle to bone. The most common cause of tendonitis is overuse resulting from repetitive motion, which leads to micro-injuries in the tendon or the associated muscle. Tendonitis can also occur after a muscle strain or tear that has not been allowed to heal properly.

This condition is most commonly seen in the upper and lower extremities, such as the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles, but it is less frequent in the hips and torso. The severity of tendonitis often depends on the frequency, intensity, and type of activity that caused the injury.

Symptoms of Tendonitis

• Tenderness directly over the affected tendon.
• Pain with movement or activity.
• Swelling in the area surrounding the tendon.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Tendonitis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and restoring structural function to the body. Options may include rest, targeted exercises, physical therapy, and other modalities designed to improve mobility and prevent future occurrences.
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With proper care and rehabilitation, most cases of tendonitis can heal effectively, allowing patients to return to their regular activities with improved strength and function.

Strains

A muscle strain, commonly referred to as a "pulled muscle," occurs when there is damage to a muscle or tendon. This injury results from the tearing of muscle fibers due to overstretching, often during physical activity or sports. Muscle strains can cause significant pain and discomfort, with recovery time varying depending on the severity of the injury.

Symptoms of Muscle Strains

• Localized stiffness.
• Discoloration or bruising around the injured area.
• Pain that intensifies with movement.

Grading Muscle Strains
Muscle strains are classified into three grades based on their severity:

• Grade 1 (Mild): The muscle or tendon is overstretched with small tears to the muscle fibers. Symptoms include mild pain without swelling. There is typically no significant impact on mobility.
• Grade 2 (Moderate): A greater number of muscle fibers are torn, but not completely. Symptoms include marked pain, swelling, tenderness, and possible bruising from damaged blood vessels.
• Grade 3 (Severe): The most serious type of strain, characterized by a complete tear or rupture of the muscle fibers. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, tenderness, and extensive bruising. Movement is significantly impaired.

Diagnosis and Treatment
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​Muscle strains are diagnosed by evaluating the mechanism of injury and performing a thorough physical examination. A proper evaluation ensures accurate grading of the strain and guides the development of an effective treatment plan.

If you have suffered a muscle strain, consult with our doctors to determine the most appropriate course of care. Early attention can help alleviate pain, promote faster healing, and prevent potential complications.

Fractures

A bone fracture occurs when there is a break in the normal structure of a bone. Fractures can result from high-impact force, stress on a bone during certain movements or activities, or underlying medical conditions. While pathological conditions such as osteoporosis, bone cancer, or osteogenesis imperfecta can lead to fractures, sports-related injuries remain one of the leading causes.

Symptoms of a Bone Fracture

• Swelling and bruising of the soft tissues surrounding the affected area.
• Muscle spasms as the body attempts to stabilize the bone.
• Pain and difficulty moving the injured area.

There are many types of fractures, categorized based on how the bone is broken (e.g., simple, compound, or comminuted fractures). Prompt medical attention is essential if you or someone you know has suffered a bone fracture.
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Radiographs (X-rays) are necessary to determine the type and severity of the fracture. Proper evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and guides the development of an appropriate treatment plan.

Bursitis is the inflammation of small sacs filled with synovial fluid, known as bursae (singular: bursa), that are located within tissues where friction is likely to occur. Bursae act as cushions, reducing friction between muscles, tendons, and bones, allowing for smooth, pain-free movement.

When bursitis develops, the inflamed bursae make movement difficult and painful. Any motion over the affected area can aggravate the inflammation, perpetuating the injury and leading to increased pain and muscle stiffness.

The most common cause of bursitis is repetitive movement or excessive pressure on specific body structures. The shoulders, elbows, and knees are particularly susceptible to this condition.
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Bursitis is typically diagnosed through a thorough physical examination. Treatment options are available to reduce pain, manage inflammation, and improve recovery times, helping patients return to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.

Sprains

A sprain is a joint injury caused by the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, the tough, fibrous tissues that connect bone to bone. Sprains can occur in any joint but are most commonly seen in the ankle and wrist.

Symptoms of a Sprain

• Pain around the affected joint.
• Swelling and tenderness.
• Bruising or discoloration.
• Decreased movement or difficulty using the joint.
• A popping sound at the time of injury, which may indicate a ligament rupture.

Grading Sprains
Sprains are categorized into three grades based on their severity:

• Grade 1 (Mild): Slight stretching and minor damage to the fibers of the ligament. Symptoms are mild, with minimal swelling and little to no joint instability.
• Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tearing of the ligament. This grade is characterized by noticeable swelling, tenderness, and looseness (laxity) of the joint. Pain is moderate to severe.
• Grade 3 (Severe): Complete tearing of the ligament. This results in significant pain, swelling, bruising, and gross instability or laxity in the joint. The joint may feel unstable or unable to bear weight.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Sprains are diagnosed through a detailed physical examination, with their severity determined by the mechanism of injury and the appearance of the joint.
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Prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment are essential to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term instability. If you’ve experienced a sprain, consult with our doctors for a thorough assessment and personalized care plan.

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