Patellar tracking disorder occurs when the kneecap (patella) shifts out of place as the leg bends or straightens. The kneecap is usually held in place by tendons on the top and bottom and by ligaments on the sides. A layer of cartilage lines the underside of the kneecap, helping it move smoothly in a groove in your thighbone. There are … Read More
The infrapatellar fat pad is soft tissue that lies beneath the kneecap. Following a direct injury to the knee, this pad can become impinged between the distal thigh bone and the kneecap resulting in a painful and sensitive joint. The knee pain is usually worsened by extending the knee joint. Athletes who participate in contact sports are susceptible to this … Read More
The plica is a fold of joint lining tissue that is left over from early development. During embryologic development, bands of tissue divide your knee into joints and these bands often remain in your joints as you develop and grow. Trauma to the knee, either directly or from overuse can cause these bands to become thick and inflamed. This results … Read More
Experiencing knee pain during and immediately following driving is a common problem especially on long trips or in stop-and-go traffic. If that pain is located at the front of your knee under your kneecaps, you may be suffering from chondromalacia patellae (also known as CMP). This condition is characterized by the degradation of the protective cartilage that sits under your … Read More
It is extremely common for swimmers to experience some problem with one or both of their shoulders at some point during their swimming career. Swimming miles in the pool each day and perfecting the same stroke can easily aggravate the shoulder joint causing wear and tear. These overuse injuries are known as “swimmer’s shoulder” and often develop when athletes are … Read More
Anterior knee pain is a common affliction in people of all ages and particularly athletes, who are more prone to injury from repetitive motions such as jumping, quickly changing directions, and bending the knee. This is the first in a series of posts that will examine some common causes of anterior knee pain. Each post will describe causes, symptoms and … Read More
What is Snowboarder’s Ankle? Snowboarder’s ankle is a type of fracture that is relatively common among snowboarders but rarely seen outside of the sport. It accounts for less than 1% of all ankle injuries in the general population, but among snowboarders that number jumps to 15%. The medical name for this injury is a “lateral talus fracture,” and is … Read More
Snowmobiling is a popular winter activity. It’s fun, fast-paced, and it gives people an opportunity to get some fresh air during winter months when they’re usually cooped up indoors. However, if certain safety precautions are not taken, snowmobiling can be a dangerous sport. In 2006, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 127,643 injuries (mostly concussions and fractures) were … Read More
Each year, 3.4 million children aged 14 years or younger are treated for sports-related injuries in the United States (according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). Many of these injuries are sprains and strains that take place at the beginning of each sports season because the young athletes participating in these sports didn’t maintain their fitness levels during the … Read More
Experiencing pain, soreness, or discomfort is an inevitable part of being an athlete, and many people treat this pain by taking common over-the-counter medications such as Aleve, Motrin, and Advil. These medications are all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs. NSAIDs can be effective pain relievers for many common athletic ailments, but like any medication, they come with their … Read More
