Athletes may deal with many different types of medical personnel after an injury. Athletes also may be referred by their primary care doctors to a sports medicine doctor or other sports medicine specialists for further evaluation and treatment. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about the most common sports medicine specialists.
Orthopedic sports medicine doctors are orthopedic surgeons with special training that specialize in operative treatment. Training includes 4 years of medical school, 5 years of orthopedic residency, 1 year of additional study in sports medicine, and CAQ from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery with the Sports Medicine Subspecialty Board Certification. Orthopedic sports medicine doctors diagnose, treat, and manage musculoskeletal problems including the following:
- Limb and spine deformities (such as club foot, scoliosis)
- Gait abnormalities (limping)
- Bone and joint infections
- Sprains and strains
- Dislocations
- Ligament injuries
- Fractures
- Apophysitis
- Tendinitis
- Overuse injuries
- Cartilage injuries