Sports Injury Specialist

From sudden falls and contact collisions to overuse from repetitive stress, playing sports and exercising opens up many opportunities for injury. Orthopedic surgeon Sevag Bastian, MD, in Glendale, California, diagnoses and treats all types of sports injuries in children and adults, utilizing non-surgical options and recommending surgery only when necessary. If you or your child has a sports injury, call the office or book an appointment online today. 

What are sports injuries?

You don’t need to be a competitive athlete to sustain a sports injury. These injuries can occur during any type of physical activity and affect people of all ages and fitness levels. 

Dr. Bastian evaluates and treats many types of sports injuries, including:

• Fractures
• Joint dislocations
• Cartilage injuries
• Meniscus tears
• Sprains and strains
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Tendonitis and tendon tears
• Tennis elbow
• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder instability
• Shoulder labrum tears
• Jumper’s knee (patellar tendonitis)

He also treats post-traumatic arthritis, which may develop in a previously injured joint during sports.

What causes sports injuries?

There are two main causes of sports injuries: acute trauma and overuse. Acute injuries happen suddenly, like when you fall from a balance beam or get tackled in a football game. Overuse injuries develop gradually as a result of repetitive motions like throwing a softball or lifting weights.

Certain factors may increase your risk of getting a sports injury, such as:

• Playing contact sports
• Not warming up properly before exercising
• Not wearing protective gear
• Beginning a new or intense activity without proper conditioning

In addition to diagnosing and treating sports injuries, Dr. Bastian teaches you how to prevent them in the future. He may show you stretches and strengthening exercises to help you avoid sports injuries.  

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

First, Dr. Bastian asks you to describe how the injury occurred and any symptoms you have. He reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam, which may include diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound imaging. These tests help him diagnose your specific injury and develop an effective treatment plan. 

How are sports injuries treated?

Dr. Bastian treats his patients as partners in their health journey and empowers them with the information they need to choose the best approach to treatment.

Depending on the type and severity of your sports injury and your unique activity demands, treatment may include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen
• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy
• Immobilization in a cast or functional brace
• Acupuncture
• Regenerative medicine 

If your injury is severe, or if you’re a competitive athlete who wants to return to sports, Dr. Bastian may recommend surgery. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopy to treat many sports injuries, including ACL tears and meniscus tears. Complex fractures or advanced arthritis may require open surgery, such as total joint replacement. 

For expert care of sports injuries, call Sevag Bastian, MD, or book an appointment online today.