Sports Injury Treatments in Chicago

Whether you're a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or a fitness enthusiast, sports injuries can happen while engaging in athletic activities. Our team of highly skilled physicians is well-equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of sports-related hand, wrist, and elbow injuries.

Same-day appointments with a sports injury specialist

Sports injuries can result from accidents, improper techniques, or lack of conditioning. When you experience a sports-related injury, it is crucial to avoid pushing through the pain. Seeking timely medical attention is essential to prevent further harm and ensure proper healing. Our board-certified physicians are experienced in treating various sports injuries with a patient-centered approach. And because you deserve the best care, we offer same-day appointments with a specialist rather than a mid-level medical professional.

Types of sports injuries to the upper extremities

Our team provides expert sports injury treatments in Chicago for conditions affecting the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. These injuries are common in sports like tennis, baseball, football, and weightlifting and are typically categorized as acute or chronic.

Acute injuries—such as fractures, dislocations, and ligament tears—occur suddenly due to trauma. Chronic conditions, including tendinitis, tennis elbow, and overuse-related pain, develop gradually from repetitive stress.

At Hand to Shoulder Associates, we specialize in comprehensive sports injury treatments across Chicago. We combine advanced diagnostics, hands-on therapy, and personalized recovery plans. Whether you’re an athlete or an active individual, we aim to restore your strength, flexibility, and performance while minimizing re-injury risk.

These injuries can occur during any athletic activities and can be broadly classified into acute and chronic conditions:

Acute sports injuries

Fractures: Breaks in fingers, wrist, shoulder, or arm can occur in many sports from impacts, falls, or other incidents.
Finger Injuries: This includes jammed fingers, finger fractures, and mallet fingers, commonly occurring in sports that involve catching or ball handling.
Wrist Sprains: Sudden impact or forceful twisting motions can cause ligament sprains in the wrist joint.
Elbow Injuries: Sports like tennis, golf, and weightlifting can lead to conditions like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis).

Chronic sports injuries

Tendonitis: Use of tendons in the hands, wrists, or elbows can lead to inflammation and tendonitis, which may develop gradually over time.
Stress Fractures: Stress on the bones from activities like weightlifting or gymnastics can cause small fractures in the hand or wrist bones.
Nerve Compression: Certain sports movements can lead to nerve compression conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome.

Other injuries include:

Dislocated Joints: Forceful impact or awkward movements can result in dislocations of the fingers, wrists, or elbows.
Instabilities: Frequent trauma can lead to joint instability, making the upper extremities more prone to injury.
Motion Injuries: Common movements in sports can cause motion injuries, such as wrist or elbow tendonitis.
Fractures: High-energy impacts or falls can cause fractures in the bones of the hands, wrists, and elbows.
Sprains: Ligament sprains can occur due to sudden twisting or hyperextension of the joint during sports activities.

Leading sports injury specialists: HSA

At HSA, our board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons offer patients the highest care and experience. Our team has extensive expertise in treating sports injuries affecting professional athletes, assisting them in returning to the game, and people of all ages who engage in recreational sports.

Our dedication to advanced surgical techniques and specialized treatments ensures you receive the highest level of care to return to your active lifestyle safely and swiftly. If you have sustained a sports injury affecting your hand, wrist, or elbow, don't delay seeking expert medical attention. Schedule a same-day appointment with our skilled physicians to receive the exceptional care you deserve.

Schedule a same-day appointment

Treatment options

Self-care treatment at home can help relieve pain and inflammation for minor injuries. For example, following the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is recommended immediately after the damage occurs. However, seeking medical evaluation promptly for severe injuries causing severe pain, swelling, or numbness is essential. Our expert physicians may recommend a combination of treatments based on the type and severity of your sports injury.

These treatment options may include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain
Immobilization with slings or splints to prevent further damage
Surgical intervention for more complex injuries like torn tendons, ligaments, or fractures

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Rehabilitation after a sports injury

Rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery following a sports-related injury, and our team at Hand to Shoulder Associates offers comprehensive, evidence-based care designed to restore strength, flexibility, and function. As part of our approach to sports injury treatments in Chicago, we create personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to your specific condition, sport, and performance goals. These programs are carefully developed to support healing while preventing re-injury.

Our skilled therapists use proven techniques, including therapeutic exercise, stretching routines, and progressive resistance training. To accelerate recovery and reduce inflammation, we may also incorporate adjunct therapies such as electrostimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, cryotherapy, thermotherapy, and manual massage. For more advanced or chronic injuries, regenerative options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can further promote tissue repair and reduce downtime.

Why choose HSA for sports injuries?

At HSA, we deliver exceptional care to athletes, adults, adolescents, and children who have suffered sports injuries to the upper extremities. Our focus on advanced techniques, specialized expertise, and a compassionate approach ensures you receive the highest quality treatment for sports-related hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions. We understand how important it is to restore performance quickly and safely, which is why we tailor each treatment plan to your unique needs and athletic goals.

As a trusted destination for sports injury treatments in Chicago, our board-certified specialists offer prompt, expert evaluations—often with same-day appointments available. If you’ve experienced a sports injury and are seeking expert, personalized care, let our skilled team guide your recovery and help you return to peak performance.

If you have experienced a sports injury and seek expert care, schedule a same-day appointment with our skilled sports injury specialists.

Sports Injury Treatment FAQ

What is the role of cryotherapy in sports rehabilitation?

What is blood flow restriction training and how does it help in sports injury recovery?

What role does nutrition play in the recovery of sports injuries?

How does sleep impact the recovery process of a sports injury?

Are there specific recovery protocols for athletes who have undergone multiple surgeries for the same injury?

What is the role of cryotherapy in sports rehabilitation?

Cryotherapy is used to reduce pain and inflammation post-injury. It can speed up the recovery process by decreasing metabolic activity and increasing cellular survival, thereby limiting secondary tissue damage.

What is blood flow restriction training and how does it help in sports injury recovery?

Blood flow restriction training involves performing strength training exercises while restricting blood flow to the extremities with a cuff. This technique stimulates muscle growth and strength gains using significantly lower loads, thereby reducing the stress on injured tissues.

What role does nutrition play in the recovery of sports injuries?

Proper nutrition is crucial for sports injury recovery. It can help reduce inflammation, support muscle repair, and accelerate tissue regeneration. Key nutrients include protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals like zinc and magnesium.

How does sleep impact the recovery process of a sports injury?

Sleep is vital for recovery as it enhances muscle repair and helps maintain a healthy immune system. Poor sleep can delay recovery time, while adequate rest can significantly improve healing outcomes.

Are there specific recovery protocols for athletes who have undergone multiple surgeries for the same injury?

Yes, athletes with multiple surgeries on the same injury may require specialized recovery protocols that include longer rest periods, modified physical therapy, and possibly psychological counseling to address any concerns about returning to sport and fear of re-injury.