Medically Reviewed by Art Jordan, MD

Sports medicine physicians see a wide range of injuries – from a simple ankle sprain or a small ache, all the way to more acute injuries, such as ACL or rotator cuff tears. McLeod family and sports medicine specialist Dr. Art Jordan shares advice on how you can treat minor orthopedic injuries this summer so you can get back to doing the things you love.

If you have an injury, such as spraining your ankle or hurting your knee, the first thing we tell you is, “Stop your activity.” Take a break. Then, see if it feels better.

Another approach is RICE therapy, which can reduce the swelling around an acute injury and help you get back to your activity.

Rest: Avoiding use of the injured area.
Ice: Applying ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables to the area, without them touching the skin directly.
Compression: Wrapping the injured area with an elastic bandage to provide support, reduce blood flow, and limit swelling.
Elevation: Keeping the area raised above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.

If you feel like you’re still having pain, we’d recommend you see a physician or another provider to talk about whether you have a more serious injury.

High school athletes might have an ankle sprain or a knee injury that responds well to therapy. A sports medicine professional can help with the diagnosis and guide them through the treatment to get them back to their sport.

We care for a lot of athletes with concussions. We make sure they receive appropriate treatment, that they’re ready to get back to play and are fully ready to be active.

As a patient, your part of the job is making sure you’re receiving the best treatment possible, understanding the treatment options and working with your specialist to control your pain.

If R.I.C.E or home treatment doesn’t eliminate the pain, see a Sports Medicine Specialist near you.