BY: KIP OWEN, M.D.
DHR HEALTH ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL: (956) 362-6683 (MOVE)
As the summer wanes and student athletes return to school, we all become excited about fall sports. However, returning to school after a summer break can add additional risk of injury as the new seasons unfold.
ACUTE INJURIES AND OVERUSE INJURIES
Athletic injuries can be divided into two types: acute injuries and overuse injuries. Acute injuries include sprains of ligaments, strains of muscles, fractures of bones, and dislocation of joints. Concussions are also acute injuries–injuries of the brain. For our area, heat illness is of particular concern as athletic practice begins.
Overuse injuries are an accumulation of microtrauma in the body. They may present as tendonitis, which is inflammation of tendons and their surrounding soft tissues. Progressive microtrauma of muscle may progress to a hamstring, quad, or calf strain.
For those athletes who are still growing, repetitive athletic loading may progress to an injury that involves one of the skeletal growth plates, particularly in the lower extremity or pelvis. For all age groups, accumulated stress on the skeleton may lead to stress reactions of bone and, ultimately, stress fractures.
HOW CAN WE TRY TO MINIMIZE THE RISKS OF BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPORTS INJURIES?
Off-season training programs are designed to pre-condition and prepare athletes for resuming athletic training. Cross-training and participating in an alternate sport in the off-season help to round out and prepare an athlete for the new season. Proper stretching and warm-ups are essential for injury prevention. Adequate rest is mandatory to allow the body time to repair and prepare itself. Proper nutrition year-round optimizes the availability of essential building blocks for the body. Hydration, hydration, hydration is essential for body function, repair, and defense against heat illness. Coordinated progression of training intensity by coaches and trainers helps reduce injury risk while the players get in shape. Lastly, use of appropriate athletic equipment during training and competition can also help to minimize injury.
RECOGNIZE AND EVALUATE
Appropriate treatment of sports injuries begins with recognition. Athletic trainers and coaches are the first level for injury recognition. Parents also play a key role in recognizing any injury of their children who are athletes. Progressive swelling, deformity, or loss of normal function of an extremity requires an appropriate medical evaluation. Also, the effect of a concussion can be insidious and may evolve over time after competition. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, vision change, sensitivity to light or sounds, or nausea. A change in personality, mood swings, or drowsiness may also indicate the presence of a concussion.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE FOR SEVERE SYMPTOMS
A parent’s recognition of any of these symptoms calls for an immediate medical evaluation. If the concussion symptoms are progressing, an Emergency Room evaluation is critical for safety. For other injuries, any extreme symptoms of pain or loss of physical function could also necessitate an emergent evaluation. Athletic trainers provide expert advice to parents regarding the treatment of injured athletes. Other sports injuries which require medical care should be evaluated by their primary care physician or a sports medicine specialist.
ABOUT DR. OWEN
Specializing in both orthopedic surgical procedures and non-operative treatments for athletic injuries, Dr. Owen is an established orthopedic surgeon and has been an integral part of the DHR Health family since 2001, holding dual board certifications in Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he also served with distinction as a Fleet Fighter Pilot. He then pursued his passion for medicine, graduating with honors from Texas A&M College of Medicine in 1988.
Patients seeking expert orthopedic care can visit Dr. Owen’s office, located at the DHR Health Orthopedic Institute, 5540 Rafael Drive.
SATURDAY MORNING SPORTS INJURY CLINICS AVAILABLE IN EDINBURG AND MISSION
Starting August 26, 2024, Dr. Kip Owen and Dr. Eric Wilkinson will see student athletes for injury evaluations at the DHR Health Orthopedic Institute (5540 Raphael Dr.) throughout the fall. The clinic hours will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Appointments will not be required. For more information, contact the office at (956) 362-6683 (MOVE).
Dr. Owen will also be seeing student athletes for injury evaluations at the Mission clinic (1022 E. Griffin Parkway, Suite 108) beginning September 7, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Appointments will not be required. For more information, call the Mission location at (956) 583-7111.
