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Find a doctorInjured? Our sports medicine team can help.
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to get world-class care for your sports-related needs. The Novant Health team of sports medicine experts has the latest tools and techniques to get you back on the field, court or course- and playing your best.
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Common sports injuries
Sports injuries and how to to treat them
Sports-related injuries can affect anyone, not just athletes. Download our free guide to learn about the most common injuries, how to treat them at home and when to seek medical help.
What we do
Expert sports medicine solutions for muscles, bones and joints
Sports injury care
Our sports medicine experts provide surgical and non-surgical treatments for everything from ACL injuries and ruptured Achilles tendons to sprained ankles and tennis elbow. Our goal is to see you reach yours. So our treatments are designed specifically to get you back to the performance level you want.
Sport physicals
You want your kids to have fun and stay healthy when they play sports. At Novant Health, your child will get a full physical exam and receive any sport-specific tips needed to play safely. Because sports physicals are often required for participation and we know how busy you, we offer sports physicals at all our primary care locations, sports medicine and urgent care locations.
Sports rehabilitation
A targeted physical therapy program is key to returning to your favorite activities. Whether you’re recovering from surgery or treating an injury through physical therapy alone, our team can help you recover faster. At a Novant Health rehabilitation center or primary care sports-medicine practice, we’ll design a rehabilitation plan specifically for you to improve your strength, flexibility, stability and endurance.
Performance enhancement & evaluation
Advanced sports medicine programs can help athletes looking to reach peak performance levels. Our sports conditioning program creates sport-specific exercise plans, fitness regimens, nutrition tips and motivational insights. Our state-of-the-art motion and gait analysis can evaluate how you run, throw or swing and offer pinpoint recommendations to help you do it better.
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Find a doctorWhy do children need special protection?
Because children’s bodies are still growing and their coordination is not fully developed, they’re particularly at risk to sports injuries. Half of those injuries can be prevented with use of proper safety gear, changes to the playing environment, and by following sports rules that prevent injuries.
What causes the most sports injuries in children?
Most sports injuries occur because of poor education and awareness about safety precautions and potential injury, faulty or lack of equipment, and poorly conditioned players.
What precautions help keep children safe?
- Wearing proper safety gear and equipment
- Well maintained and lit playing environment
- Enforce safety rules
- Stay hydrated
- Take appropriate breaks
When is my child ready for sports?
Starting a child too young may not benefit the child physically. Children can start playing team sports when they express strong interest and you feel they can handle it. No two children are alike, but a few general things to consider are interest in the sport, weight, build, physical development, emotional development and age.
What’s the right way to keep children hydrated?
Children should drink before, during and after practice or games. To avoid stomach cramps, drink about one cup of water (or sports drink) every 15 to 20 minutes.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
- Extreme thirst
- Weakness
- Dizziness or headache
- Dark-colored urine
- Slight weight loss
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Sports injuries: your top questions answered
Download our free guide and learn about the most common injuries and when to seek help
What are the most common types of joint-related sports injuries?
Many common sports injuries involve the largest joint in your body, knees! These include runner’s knee (pain near the kneecap), tearing in the meniscus (cartilage that cushions knee bones), and dislocated kneecap(s). Fractures and dislocations are also common in the shoulders, elbows, and wrists. Shin splints are common for athletes who run on hard surfaces or fail to stretch adequately before exercising.
Can a sports injury have long-term effects on joint health?
Yes, some injuries can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis in the damaged joints. This is called post-traumatic arthritis, and it can happen in any joint.
How should I care for a sports injury until I can see a doctor?
Start with RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Above all, avoid strenuous activity involving the injured joint until you can consult with a joint health expert. Continuing to exercise through an injury or after you realize you’re injured can make the injury more severe and extend recovery time.
When should I see a doctor about a sports injury?
See a doctor if your discomfort continues after you’ve rested and treated the injury. You should also call your doctor if your pain is severe or gets worse or if swelling doesn’t heal. If you have a chronic joint condition, regular physical exams can identify potential concerns before they become severe.
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Find a top-rated sport performance specialist near you
Explore education history, biographies, locations and more
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Get to know the experts in your community who are providing a new standard of care
- Board certified musculoskeletal specialists
- Access to advanced imaging and treatment options
- Ranked top 5% in nation for surgical care measures.*
- Offering customized physical therapy programs
- Providing advanced sports performance therapy
*Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital
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