Injuries are a common occurrence in sports. While some injuries can be treated with ice and rest, like a minor sprain or bruise, others require more serious medical attention. If your child has suffered a sports injury, getting a second opinion from a top specialist can lead to a more effective treatment plan and better long-term outcomes. Better recoveries lead to better athletic careers, whether they’re destined for the pros or just trying to make the varsity team.

For adults, too, sports injuries can mean the difference between an enjoyable hobby and long-term pain. While some sports injuries are due to accidents, others can be the result of incorrect treatment or diagnosis. A second opinion can ensure that you’re informed and confident about your care for your sports injury so you can stay active.

Common Sports Injuries

There are many different types of sports injuries, but some of the most common include:

• Ankle sprains: A sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. Ankle sprains are common in sports that involve jumping or quick changes in direction, like basketball, football, and tennis.
• Achilles tendonitis: This condition occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, becomes inflamed. Achilles tendonitis is common in sports that involve running, such as track and field, soccer, and long-distance running.
• Shin splints: Shin splints refer to pain in the lower leg, typically along the shinbone. Shin splints are common in sports that involve running or jumping, such as basketball, soccer, and track and field.
• Knee injuries: Knee injuries are common in sports that involve contact, like football and hockey, or sudden changes in direction, like basketball and soccer. Knee injuries can range from a minor sprain to a more serious tear of the ligaments or tendons.
• Broken bones: Broken bones can occur in any sport but are more common in contact sports, like football and hockey, or extreme sports, like skateboarding and skiing.
• Concussions: A concussion is a type of brain injury that can occur when the head is hit or jarred. Concussions are common in sports that involve contact, like football and boxing, or collisions, like hockey and soccer.

Why Second Opinions on Sports Injuries Matter

Sports injuries can have a significant impact on your child’s or your own ability to participate in sports. In some cases, sports injuries can even lead to long-term problems. That’s why it’s so important to seek out a second opinion if you have any doubts about the diagnosis or treatment plan for a sports injury.

Incorrect diagnoses are one of the most common reasons to seek a second opinion for a sports injury. A misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect treatment, which can delay healing and cause further damage. In some cases, a misdiagnosis can even lead to a permanent disability.

A sports injury can cut short an athlete’s career, so it’s important to get the best possible treatment. Especially before a treatment plan that involves surgery or other invasive procedures, it’s worth getting a second opinion to be sure that the proposed treatment is absolutely necessary and will lead to the best possible outcome.

Online Second Opinions on Sports Injuries from The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic

The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic offers online second opinions on sports injuries from Cleveland Clinic’s world-renowned specialists. With no travel needed and no need to spend time gathering medical records or other forms of documentation, this option provides a fast, easy pathway to peace of mind.

Getting a second opinion from The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic, whether it’s for yourself or your child, starts with simply registering online. We invite you to learn more and get started today.