Sometimes, despite our best efforts and preparation, sports injuries happen when we least expect them — and they can happen to anyone, regardless of age. The good news? You don’t have to let a sudden injury sideline you longer than necessary, or leave you wondering if you’re getting the right level of care.
At Complete Care, we understand that sports injuries require immediate, specialized attention from medical professionals who know exactly what athletes and active individuals are going through. Our emergency medicine team uses advanced diagnostics and treatment to get you back on your feet safely and quickly. From sprains and strains to fractures and concussions, we provide comprehensive, tailored care for athletes and active individuals of all ages.
Don’t let pain or uncertainty keep you or your child on the bench any longer than necessary. When you need fast, expert care for any athletic injury, visit one of our convenient freestanding ER locations where you’ll receive the immediate attention you deserve, without the typical hospital wait times.
For life-threatening situations, please call 911.
Table of Contents:
- Common sports injuries examples
- What is the best treatment for sports injuries?
- When should I go to the ER for a sports injury?
- Emergency sports injuries — FAQs
Common sports injuries examples
At Complete Care, our emergency medicine team sees a wide range of athletic injuries throughout the year, from routine sprains that need immediate attention to more complex trauma that requires advanced care. Here are some of the most common sports injuries, in no particular order:
- Head injuries and concussions
- Fractures and broken bones, covering everything from broken foot to broken collarbone treatment
- Knee and joint injuries, especially knee pain when bending
- Shoulder and arm injuries
- Ankle sprains and strains
- Winter sports injuries (concussions, limb injuries, frostbite)
- Cuts and lacerations
- Back and spine injuries
No matter what type of injury brings you to Complete Care, our goal is to provide fast, comprehensive treatment that addresses both your immediate pain and your long-term recovery. We know that getting back to the activities you love is just as important as treating the injury itself, which is why we focus on thorough care that sets you up for the best possible outcome.
What is the best treatment for sports injuries?
The question of how to treat sports injuries effectively depends on getting the right care at the right time, and that often means seeking immediate emergency attention when an injury first occurs. At Complete Care, we believe that prompt, comprehensive treatment is the key to faster healing and getting you back to peak performance.
Our comprehensive sports injury treatment approach includes:
- Immediate pain management and stabilization
- Advanced diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound)
- Expert wound care and suturing
- Fracture reduction and immobilization
- Concussion protocols and neurological assessment
- Joint stabilization and support
- Prescription medications, when needed
- Detailed discharge instructions and follow-up care plans
The most effective treatment of sports injuries combines immediate emergency intervention with a clear path forward for your recovery. Our emergency medicine team works hard to make sure you have an easy-to-follow treatment plan, and know what steps you’ll need to take to return safely to the activities you love.
When should I go to the ER for a sports injury?
While some aches and pains can wait for your regular doctor or an urgent care visit, certain symptoms and injury types need the advanced diagnostic tools and specialized expertise available at an emergency room. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek immediate medical attention.
You should go to the ER for a sports injury if you experience:
- Suspected head injury, concussion, or loss of consciousness
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter pain medication
- Visible bone deformity or suspected fractures
- Inability to bear weight or move the injured area normally
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the injured area
- Signs of severe sprains or dislocations
- Deep cuts that may require stitches or show signs of infection
- Persistent vomiting after a head or body impact
- Severe swelling that develops rapidly
- Any injury that causes significant concern or anxiety
Remember, sports injuries can be deceptive — what seems minor at first can sometimes be more serious than it appears. Our emergency medicine team at Complete Care is trained to quickly identify and treat both obvious and subtle sports-related injuries. Don’t risk your long-term health by waiting when your body is telling you something is seriously wrong.
Emergency sports injuries — FAQs
Should I go to urgent care for a sports injury?
While urgent care can handle very minor injuries like small cuts, freestanding ERs offer access to advanced diagnostic tools that urgent care often lacks — making them ideal for common basketball injuries, sprains, or any injury that requires a comprehensive evaluation. For sports injuries, you’ll get more thorough care and quicker treatment at a freestanding ER.
What is the most common sports injury?
Knee injuries are the most common sports injury we see in the emergency room. Whether it’s a high-impact sport like basketball or a low-impact sport like pickleball, sports put a lot of stress on your knee joints. Continuous running, jumping, abrupt stops, rapid changes in direction, and intense physical contact can increase the risk of knee injuries among players.
What is the most painful sports injury?
The most intensely painful sports injuries typically include compound fractures, severe dislocations, and Achilles tendon ruptures. Any injury causing severe, persistent pain deserves immediate professional medical evaluation.
What youth sport has the highest injury rate?
What sport has the most injuries? If you’re planning on enrolling your child in recreational sports, it’s important to know the risks so you can prepare. Football, soccer, and basketball tend to have the highest injury rate among youth sports, with the most common injuries being ankle sprains, ACL tears, concussions, and overuse injuries.
As a parent, having an emergency plan in place (one that starts with saving the nearest Complete Care ER in your phone) can save you time and stress by getting the care your child needs as quickly as possible.
Get back in the game with expert care at Complete Care
When sports injuries happen, you need reliable, fast emergency care you can count on.
Complete Care is proud to serve communities across Texas and Colorado with convenient freestanding ER locations in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs. Our emergency-trained medicine teams understand that every minute counts when you’re dealing with an injury, which is why we’re committed to providing the high-quality, comprehensive care you deserve without the long wait times of traditional hospital emergency rooms.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, we’re here to help you get back to peak performance as quickly and safely as possible.
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