Three Treatment Options for Softball Knee Injuries

Don’t Strike Out This Season! Get Treated for Your Softball Knee Injuries.

The most unfortunate part of having a sports injury is you may have to take time off during the sports season to recover. Now that it is softball season, female athletes are more vulnerable to getting injured during games or practices. While they may develop a number of injuries, softball players are particularly susceptible to knee injuries. This can happen from either running, sliding, or twisting while throwing the ball. If you currently have a softball knee injury, you are probably desperate to recover and get back on the field.

At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, our Sports Medicine specialists see approximately 80,000 sports injuries per year. We are the top provider of Sports Medicine care in the area, because we take a team approach to diagnosing and treating patients. Members of our team include non-surgical sports specialists, athletic trainers, physical therapists, orthopaedic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists. These professionals have seen plenty of softball knee injuries before and therefore have the necessary expertise to provide excellent care.

While your treatment plan will depend on the type of injury you have, below are three options for treating softball knee injuries that a Sports Medicine specialist might recommend for you:

1. R.I.C.E.
   R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This method is typically recommended immediately after an injury occurs. Unfortunately, softball players in the middle of their season will have to exercise their patience instead of their bodies while using the R.I.C.E. method; if this process is rushed, the player may end up with a worse injury.
   
   Resting after a knee injury relieves the injured area of pressure. Icing the knee and compressing the area with an elastic bandage can reduce swelling. Elevating your leg can also decrease the amount of pressure on the area and progress the healing process. Talk to your doctor about how you can implement R.I.C.E. into your daily routine.

2. Immobilization
   A Sports Medicine specialist may suggest bracing your knee to prevent movement. A cast or brace is commonly used for fractures, as it holds the broken bone in place to promote healing. Those diagnosed with a type of knee ligament injury (such as an injury or tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, the lateral collateral ligament, medial collateral ligament, or the medial collateral ligament) may also require the use of a brace, if the injury is mild and non-operative treatment is recommended first.
   
   While you will most likely not be able to participate in softball games with an immobilized knee, your physician may give you crutches, so you can attend games and cheer on your team.

3. Physical therapy
   Physical therapy will be suggested to patients who need to strengthen their knees and regain previously regular functions. This can be a gradual and possibly frustrating process, especially if you continue to experience pain, but it is important to follow your doctor’s and physical therapist’s orders. Do not overwork yourself during rehabilitation. Slow and steady wins the race or, in this case, the ballgame.

The Sports Medicine specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute understand the stress that a sports injury can cause an athlete. For this reason, we utilize advanced techniques and medical equipment to nurture softball knee injuries and ease the minds of our athletic patients. If you have a knee injury and are seeking treatment, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute can help. To make an appointment, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.