Sports Medicine Specialist

Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine located in Vestavia Hills, AL & ,

Sports medicine is a specialized field that focuses on caring for the health needs of active people. Whether you play competitive sports, go to the gym, or take regular walks, you can get personalized treatment from Thomas Powell, MD, at Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Dr. Powell provides nonsurgical and surgical treatments designed to restore maximum performance and get you back into action as quickly as possible. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, or use the online booking feature today.

Sports Medicine Q&A

When do I need sports medicine?

The team at Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine diagnoses and treats acute injuries, as well as overuse injuries. They also offer preventive care so you can stay active with a lower risk of future injuries.

Sport injuries often treated at Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine include:

Knee ligament tears (ACL, MCL, and PCL)
Meniscus tears
Rotator cuff tears
Shoulder impingement
Labral tears (shoulder)
Achilles tendon injuries
Ankle sprains
Biceps tear
Shin splints
Hamstring strain
Iliotibial band syndrome
Tennis and golfer's elbow
Finger injuries
Fractures
Tendonitis

Your risk of developing an injury is higher when you follow an intense training regimen or work out so frequently that your body doesn’t have time to rest and recover. You're also more likely to sustain an injury if your sport requires movements such as pivoting, suddenly stopping while running, or taking a direct hit.

What symptoms indicate I need sports medicine care?

Athletic injuries commonly cause symptoms such as:

Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Joint instability
Limited movement
Muscle weakness
Tingling or numbness
Inability to use the injured arm or leg

When you have severe swelling and pain, your symptoms don’t improve in a few days, or they get worse, it's time to schedule an appointment at Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

What sports medicine treatments might I need?

The treatment you need depends on the type and severity of your injury, as well as your overall health and future activity goals. Your provider begins with conservative treatment that's appropriate for your injury.

Examples of nonsurgical treatments include:

Immobilizing the injured area
Modifying your activities
Taking medications
Getting steroid injections
Attending physical therapy
Receiving sport-specific rehabilitation

Though orthopedic surgery is usually a last resort, some sports injuries need prompt surgery to ensure your body heals properly and regains its original strength.

A complex or open fracture needs immediate surgery. You may also need surgery for ruptured ligaments and tendons, as well as some meniscus tears.

When you need joint surgery, the team performs minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. This procedure uses small incisions so you have less trauma, a faster recovery, and a quicker return to the game.

When you need a sports medicine specialist, call Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, or book an appointment online today.

What we offer