Youth sports play a powerful role in helping children build confidence, strength, coordination, and a lifelong love of staying active. But as participation grows, so does the number of injuries among young athletes. Sports-related injuries are one of the leading reasons children and teens visit orthopedic specialists, underscoring the importance of prevention, early evaluation, and
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Preventing ACL Injuries in Youth Football
Understanding the Rise in Lower Extremity Injuries in Football Lower extremity injuries, including ACL tears, ankle sprains, and knee ligament injuries, have become increasingly common among youth and high school football players. Rapid changes in direction, contact on the field, quick accelerations, and unstable playing surfaces place high stress on the hips, knees, ankles, and
Read MoreSafe Return to Play After Youth Injuries
Youth sports provide countless benefits, from teamwork and discipline to physical fitness and confidence. But with the intensity of practices and games, sports injuries are a common part of the experience. For young athletes, the desire to return to the field or court as quickly as possible can sometimes outweigh the need for proper healing. Following established
Read MoreIs It Nerve Compression or Something Else? Common Signs
When pain, tingling, or numbness appear, many people assume it is simply a result of muscle strain or fatigue. However, these issues are often linked to nerve problems that require a closer look. Nerve irritation symptoms can develop when nerves are compressed, pinched, or inflamed, and identifying the root cause is key to preventing long-term
Read MorePickleball Injuries: How to Prevent Heel & Foot Pain
Pickleball continues to grow in popularity across the country, drawing players of all ages to the courts. While it is a fun and social sport, it also comes with a risk of injury particularly in the feet and heels. At Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center we see many patients struggling with pickleball heel pain caused by overuse, poor footwear,
Read MoreSkip the ER: Why Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic Saves Time and Money
When an unexpected injury strikes, such as a twisted ankle, sudden shoulder pain, or a painful sprain, the emergency room often feels like the only option. However, the truth is that many orthopedic injuries don’t require a costly, time-consuming ER visit. Orthopedic walk-in care offers faster, more affordable treatment from specialists who focus exclusively on
Read MoreOveruse Injuries in Young Athletes: A Parent’s Guide
Protect Your Young Athlete’s Joint Health Sports are an excellent way for children to stay active, build confidence, and develop teamwork skills. Still, with the growing competitiveness of youth athletics, the number of overuse injuries in children has increased. An overuse injury in children develops gradually over time from repeated stress on muscles, joints, or
Read MoreSudden Joint Pain But No Injury? Here’s What It Might Be
Understanding Sudden Joint Pain You wake up one morning with sudden knee, shoulder, or hip discomfort, but you don’t remember twisting, falling, or doing anything that might have caused it. Sudden joint pain with no injury can be confusing and concerning, especially when it interferes with daily life. At OSMC, our orthopedic specialists see this scenario often,
Read MorePrevention of Soccer Injuries: How You Can Minimize the Chance of Getting Hurt
As the fall soccer season kicks into gear, young athletes across Michiana are hitting the fields with energy and excitement. While the game is fast-paced and fun, it also carries the risk of injury, especially for children and teens whose bodies are still developing. OSMC’s sports medicine is here to help you keep your athlete healthy, strong, and ready
Read MoreThe Role of Proprioception in Ankle Stability: Why It Matters and How to Improve It
by Dr. James Jastifer What Is Proprioception? Have you ever walked on an uneven surface and adjusted your footing without even thinking about it? That’s proprioception at work. Proprioception is your body’s ability to sense where it is in space and make small adjustments to maintain balance and stability. It plays a crucial role in
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