Common Injuries

Joints are the connective tissues that form the space between two bones and allow for movement. When joints are forced out of their normal position, this can cause a dislocation. When a dislocation occurs, it causes the two surrounding bones to hit against each other, leading to severe pain, immobility, and swelling.

Finger and shoulder dislocations are most common, but elbow, knee, and hip dislocations can also occur. Athletes who participate in high-impact sports are highly susceptible to these types of dislocations. Even young children, who are prone to falling, can suffer from them.

The sooner you receive treatment, the sooner your orthopaedic specialist can realign the affected joint back in place. Patients will need plenty of rest afterwards.

Untreated dislocations can cause ligament sprains and muscle tearing. Dr. Palikh performs arthroscopic surgery (link to Services page) to examine severe joint injuries. If you’re suffering from joint problems as the result of a dislocation, arthroscopic treatment may be an option for you.

Bone fractures are traumatic injuries that require immediate medical attention. The arms, wrist, and ankle are some of the most commonly broken bones, but all bones are susceptible to breaking. Treatment varies and depends on the type of fracture sustained. Some broken bones can heal on their own with a cast or splint. Severe breaks may require surgery to realign the bones with metal pins, screws, or plates.

If you’ve recently broken a bone, it’s important to have an orthopaedic specialist examine the fracture. Dr. Parikh is an orthopaedic surgeon who performs surgeries in Dunn, NC. Even if you don’t require surgery, our team at Orthopaedic Solutions & Sports Medicine Center can help you recover and regain your mobility.

Muscle strains can be traumatic or result from repetitive activity, overexertion, poor flexibility, or bad posture. Activities like throwing, lifting, jumping, and rowing can cause strains. They can even occur from a fall or high-impact event.

A muscle strain can cause gradual pain and soreness, but in some cases the pain can have immediate onset. Depending on the severity of the strain, there is usually slight immobility, swelling, bruising, stiffness, and muscle spasms.

An orthopaedic specialist will recommend plenty of rest, elevation, and icing. Mild strains treated at home will normally subside in a few days to a couple of weeks. Serious tears that don’t subside over time, or cause numbness, bleeding, and total immobility, require immediate medical attention. If you’re coping with a painful muscle strain, give us a call at 910-891-4202.

Sports and activities that involve twisting and pivoting can cause sprains. Sprains often cause immediate pain after the injury. Bruising, swelling, and a popping sensation can accompany them, as well.

Resting, icing, and elevation are key to helping sprains heal. There will be some mild immobility in the area. If a sprain causes full immobility or radiating pain, seek medical attention. Sprains can take a long time to heal and have the potential to cause complications if left untreated. If you’ve recently suffered a sprain and you’re struggling to heal, contact us today.

Many athletes experience overuse injuries as the result of repetitive trauma. When athletes are constantly moving and using their bodies, their muscles and joints can be overworked, leading to overuse injuries. Here are some examples of overuse sports injuries:

• Tennis or pitcher’s elbow
• Swimmer’s shoulder
• Shin splints
• Runner’s knee

Cramping and tingling are common sensations associated with overuse injuries. These injuries normally resolve on their own with rest and warm and cold compression therapy. Ongoing sports injury treatment and therapy can also prevent reinjury.

In cases of traumatic injury, orthopaedic treatment, physical therapy, and surgery may be necessary. Dr. Parikh and the OSSM team are leaders of sports medicine throughout Harnett County. They make it a priority to work closely with their athletes and help them recover and get back to playing.

• Meniscus & ACL tears
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Achilles tendon ruptures
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Inflammatory or degenerative diseases can also affect the musculoskeletal system, leading to discomfort, pain, decreased mobility, and even injury. Arthritis, for example, causes joint inflammation, leading to pain, decreased mobility, and muscle weakness, which can make the joints more susceptible to injury. Osteoporosis can cause bones to become brittle and weak, making them more susceptible to fracture and injury.

At OSSM, our orthopedic services addresses these and many other conditions.