To achieve peak physical performance — whether you’re competing as an athlete or simply trying to maintain an active lifestyle — you have to keep your bones and joints in top working order.

Sports injuries are commonly caused from a single traumatic event, such as a fall or collision, though many result from repetitive stress associated with athletic activities. These types of injuries affect different bones and soft tissues within the body. Untreated, these injuries can cause greater wear on the injured joints, as well as other parts of the body as you try to compensate for the injury.

Some of the more common injuries include:

• Ankle sprains – symptoms include tenderness to the touch and some swelling depending on degree of the sprain.
• Back pain – symptoms include numbness and tingling that radiates to the buttocks or lower leg.
• Concussion – symptoms include feeling disoriented, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, unconsciousness or ringing in the ears.
• Finger dislocation/jammed finger – symptoms include pain in the finger; bone may be out of socket
• Hamstring pull – causes a stinging pain in the back thigh
• Shin splints – pain running along the lower front side of the leg
• Shoulder dislocation – shoulder is out of socket, often causing severe pain
• Tendinitis – a burning sensation in the affected joint
• Turf toe – a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint

The best way to address injuries is to prevent them. Before being physically active — whether getting ready for a game or just preparing to cut the grass, make sure you:

• Warm up properly, including stretches before the event
• Cool down after the exercise, including additional stretches and walking
• Use braces for affected joints
• Wear appropriate gear and footwear

If you do experience an injury and the pain persists for several days, it’s time to see a doctor. Orthopedic and sports medicine specialists can help establish the severity of the injury and recommend treatment, including exercises to promote strength and flexibility, orthopedic braces and, if necessary, surgical solutions. These specialists can also give you an idea of when you can expect to return to normal physical activity.

If you’ve experienced an injury that continues to cause you pain, you can find an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist on staff at Tanner Ortho and Spine Center by calling 770-214-CARE (2273). More information is available online at TannerOrtho.org.

Dr. Maxwell is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle issues with Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic and is a member of the patient care team at Tanner Ortho and Spine Center.