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By Dr. Nam Dinh, MD, FAAOS
March is Pain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and educate the public about the various forms of pain and their impact on daily life. One common type of pain is joint pain, which can be particularly prevalent among individuals who participate in sports such as pickleball, tennis, and golf.
Joint pain is a common issue that affects many individuals who participate in sports, such as pickleball, tennis, and golf. These sports can put stress on the joints, particularly the hips, knees, and shoulders, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. If joint pain is severe or persistent, it can impact an individual’s ability to participate in physical activities and enjoy their favorite sports.
Orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of bones, joints, and muscles. They provide a range of treatments for individuals with joint pain, including both surgical and non-surgical options.
Non-surgical treatments for joint pain include physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain management techniques, such as corticosteroid injections, to relieve pain and improve joint function. In some cases, orthopaedic surgeons may also recommend medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to reduce pain and swelling.
If non-surgical treatments are not effective, orthopaedic surgeons may recommend surgical intervention. Joint surgery can range from minimally invasive procedures, such as arthroscopy, to more complex procedures, such as joint replacement surgery.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves the use of a small camera and instruments to diagnose and treat joint problems. This procedure is often used to treat joint conditions such as meniscal tears, rotator cuff tears, and osteoarthritis.
Joint replacement surgery is a procedure in which a damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis. Joint replacement surgery is typically recommended for individuals with severe joint pain and limited joint function. The most common joint replacement surgeries include hip replacement, knee replacement, and shoulder replacement.
Orthopaedic surgeons will evaluate the individual’s specific needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment option. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, improve joint function, and help individuals to return to their favorite sports activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Thankfully, most injuries are overuse injuries and can be treated with non-surgical measures such as ice, anti-inflammatory medicines, and rest. If an injury is more serious, it should be treated quickly. Prompt treatment can minimize long-term damage. Visiting an orthopedic specialist who has experience in treating sports injuries will result in accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of your condition.
Consider the following safety tips when playing pickleball:
• Be aware of your playing area and any obstacles that might cause a hazard.
• Avoid backpedaling on the pickleball court to avoid backward falls.
• Stretch and warm up before you play.
• Wear proper court shoes and eye protection. Use appropriate equipment.
• Listen to your body and give it time to rest.
• Communicate with your partner to avoid confusion.
• Improve your balance and learn to fall without injury.
• Do not play on a wet court.
• Work with a professional to improve your fundamentals.
• Have an emergency plan in case of injury on the court.
Joint pain is a common issue for individuals who participate in sports, such as pickleball, tennis, and golf. If joint pain is severe or persistent, individuals should seek the advice of an orthopaedic surgeon for further evaluation and treatment. Orthopaedic surgeons provide a range of treatments, including both surgical and non-surgical options, to relieve pain and improve joint function, allowing individuals to return to their favorite sports activities and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
About Dr. Nam Dinh
Dr. Nam Dinh is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon at Optimotion Orthopaedics with special training in minimally invasive LATERAL total knee replacement ANTERIOR hip replacement surgery. To learn more information about Dr. Dinh visit www.optimotion.com.
Optimotion Orthopaedics
(407) 355-3120
www.optimotion.com
