Engaging in sports is an excellent way to stay healthy, boost mental well-being, and build community. However, with physical activity comes the inherent risk of injury. Sports injuries are increasingly common across all age groups, affecting amateur athletes, weekend warriors, and professionals alike. Whether it’s a sprained ankle on a soccer field or a torn ACL during a basketball game, these injuries can disrupt daily life and lead to long-term complications if not properly addressed. Understanding the causes and risks associated with sports injuries is the first step toward prevention and recovery.
Dr. Michael A. Del Core at MD West One in Omaha, NE, has extensive experience treating a wide range of sports-related injuries. His approach is rooted in personalized care, early diagnosis, and patient education. By addressing each injury with a combination of clinical expertise and advanced technology, Dr. Del Core ensures that athletes at every level can return to their sport safely and efficiently. Preventing re-injury and supporting a complete recovery are core goals of his treatment philosophy.
Common Types of Sports Injuries
Sports injuries vary widely depending on the sport, the level of physical contact involved, and the condition of the athlete’s body. Acute injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, and ligament tears, typically occur suddenly and are often the result of impact or trauma. These require immediate medical attention and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Sprains and strains, often affecting the ankles, knees, or wrists, are particularly common in sports that involve quick directional changes or jumping.
Chronic or overuse injuries develop over time due to repetitive stress on muscles, tendons, or joints. Conditions such as tendinitis, shin splints, and stress fractures fall into this category and can gradually worsen if not treated early. Shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears or labral injuries, are also frequent among athletes in throwing or swimming sports. Each of these conditions demands a tailored treatment strategy that accounts for the athlete’s age, sport, and future goals. Dr. Del Core works closely with patients to develop customized plans that address both healing and prevention.
Preventing Sports Injuries: Proactive Strategies
Prevention is key when it comes to reducing the risk of sports injuries. While some injuries are unavoidable, many can be prevented with proper preparation and awareness. One of the most effective prevention strategies is engaging in a sport-specific warm-up routine before any activity. Stretching and gradually increasing intensity allow muscles and joints to prepare for physical exertion, reducing the likelihood of sudden strain.
Other prevention methods include:
- Using proper equipment: Wearing well-fitting shoes, braces, or helmets as needed.
- Maintaining physical conditioning: Strength training, flexibility exercises, and cardiovascular conditioning help keep the body resilient.
- Cross-training: Varying activities can reduce repetitive stress on the same muscle groups.
- Rest and recovery: Adequate rest between practices and games prevents overuse injuries.
- Listening to your body: Discomfort and fatigue should never be ignored.
Dr. Del Core emphasizes that education is a vital part of injury prevention. By teaching athletes and coaches how to recognize early warning signs and implement proper training techniques, he helps establish a culture of safety that extends beyond the clinic and onto the field.
Diagnosis and Initial Treatment
When a sports injury occurs, accurate and timely diagnosis is essential to avoid complications and start appropriate treatment. At MD West One, Dr. Del Core begins each evaluation with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Depending on the nature of the injury, diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds may be used to assess the extent of damage. This information forms the foundation of an individualized treatment plan that balances the urgency of returning to activity with the need for complete healing.
Initial treatment often follows the RICE protocol—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—for mild injuries. Pain management may include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or immobilization. For more severe injuries like ligament tears or fractures, surgical intervention might be necessary. Throughout the treatment process, Dr. Del Core remains focused on patient education and communication, ensuring each athlete understands their condition and the steps needed for recovery. Early and appropriate care is not only crucial for physical healing but also for maintaining mental resilience during time away from sports.
Rehabilitation and Safe Return to Play
Rehabilitation plays a critical role in ensuring a safe and sustainable return to athletic activity. It goes beyond simply healing the injury—it restores strength, flexibility, endurance, and confidence. A comprehensive rehab program also addresses any compensatory movements or biomechanical issues that may have contributed to the injury in the first place. For athletes, skipping or rushing through rehab can significantly increase the risk of re-injury and prolong time away from the sport.
Dr. Del Core collaborates with physical therapists and athletic trainers to create individualized rehab plans that align with the athlete’s specific goals. Programs often include a progression of exercises focused on strength, balance, agility, and sport-specific drills. As the patient improves, the intensity and complexity of activities are gradually increased to simulate real-game scenarios. A phased return-to-play protocol ensures that the athlete meets all functional milestones before rejoining competitive activity, safeguarding their long-term performance and health.
Supporting Athletes Long-Term
Recovery from a sports injury doesn’t end when the pain disappears. Long-term support is essential for maintaining physical wellness and preventing future injuries. Athletes benefit from regular check-ins, performance assessments, and ongoing education about body mechanics and conditioning. This proactive approach is especially important for young athletes, whose bodies are still developing, and for aging athletes who may face increased vulnerability due to natural changes in bone and joint health.
At MD West One, Dr. Del Core fosters lasting relationships with his patients. His dedication to long-term orthopedic health extends beyond the initial injury, offering guidance in maintaining athletic performance and adapting to the changing demands of each season. In Omaha, NE, he’s known not just for treating injuries, but for helping athletes build smarter, stronger, and more resilient bodies. Whether you’re recovering from your first injury or managing chronic pain from years of competition, MD West One offers the expertise and support needed to keep you moving forward.
Resources:
LaBella, C. R., Hennrikus, W., & Hewett, T. E. (2014). Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. Pediatrics.
Safran, M. R., & McKeag, D. B. (2003). Sports Injuries in Children and Adolescents. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Meeuwisse, W. H., Tyreman, H., Hagel, B., & Emery, C. (2007). A Dynamic Model of Etiology in Sport Injury: The Recursive Nature of Risk and Causation. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine.
