Treating Athletes From Head To Toe

Dynamic Athlete offers treatment for a wide spectrum of injuries. Take a moment to explore the list below to see if we address your specific injury.
If you don’t find your injury or one similar to it listed, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! While our list is comprehensive, it primarily covers our most common injuries. We’re here to assist you with your unique needs and provide personalized care.

Ankle Injuries

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch or tear, usually due to sudden twisting or rolling of the foot beyond its normal range of motion. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other and provide stability to joints. Ankle sprains are quite common, especially among athletes and individuals who engage in physical activities that involve running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction.

Calf Sprain

A calf strain refers to an injury to the muscles at the back of the lower leg, specifically the gastrocnemius and/or soleus muscles. These muscles, collectively known as the calf muscles, play a crucial role in activities like walking, running, and jumping. A strain occurs when these muscles are overstretched or torn, typically due to sudden or excessive force.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which is the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon plays a crucial role in various activities such as walking, running, and jumping. Tendinitis occurs when there is overuse or repetitive stress on the tendon, leading to irritation, inflammation, and sometimes microtears in the tendon fibers.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a joint disorder characterized by the gradual separation of a piece of cartilage and underlying bone from the surface of a joint. This condition most commonly affects the knee, particularly the medial femoral condyle, but it can also occur in other joints such as the elbow, ankle, or less frequently, the hip.

Peroneal Tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the peroneal tendons, which are located on the outer side of the ankle and help stabilize the foot and ankle during movement. The two peroneal tendons, known as the peroneus brevis and peroneus longus, run along the outside of the lower leg and attach to various points on the foot.

Posterior Tibialis

The posterior tibialis muscle and tendon play a crucial role in stabilizing the foot and supporting the arch. The tendon of the posterior tibialis muscle runs along the inside of the ankle and attaches to the bones on the inner side of the foot. Its primary function is to help control the inward rolling motion of the foot (pronation) and maintain the arch structure during walking, running, and other weight-bearing activities.

Elbow Injuries

Distal Biceps Tear/Tendonitis

A distal biceps tear involves damage to the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the elbow. This type of injury typically occurs near the elbow joint. It can either be a partial tear, where only a portion of the tendon is damaged, or a complete tear, where the tendon is completely severed from the bone.

Distal Triceps Tear/Tendonitis

A distal triceps tear refers to damage to the tendon that connects the triceps muscle to the elbow. The triceps muscle is located at the back of the upper arm and is responsible for straightening the elbow joint.

Elbow Osteoarthritis

Elbow osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis of the elbow, is a condition characterized by the gradual wearing down of the cartilage in the elbow joint. Cartilage is the smooth, protective tissue that covers the ends of bones and allows them to glide smoothly against each other. When this cartilage deteriorates, the bones in the joint can rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow can occur in people who don’t play tennis. It’s caused by overuse or repetitive strain on the muscles and tendons of the forearm, particularly the extensor muscles that attach to the lateral epicondyle, a bony prominence on the outside of the elbow.

Medial Epicondylitis (Golfers Elbow)

Medial epicondylitis, commonly known as golfer’s elbow, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow. Despite its name, medial epicondylitis can occur not only in golfers but also in individuals involved in activities that require repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, and forearm rotation. These activities may include tennis, baseball, weightlifting, and certain occupational tasks.

Foot Injuries

Midfoot Sprain

A midfoot sprain, also known as a Lisfranc injury, is a type of injury to the midfoot region, specifically involving the Lisfranc joint complex. This complex consists of a series of ligaments and bones that connect the midfoot to the forefoot. A midfoot sprain typically occurs when there is damage to these ligaments, which can happen due to twisting, impact, or direct trauma to the foot.

Toe Sprain

A toe sprain, also known as a turf toe or jammed toe, occurs when the ligaments surrounding the toe joint are stretched or torn due to sudden impact or hyperextension of the toe. This injury is common in activities that involve quick direction changes or forceful pushing off, such as in sports like soccer, basketball, or football.

Turf Toe

Turf toe is a specific type of toe sprain that affects the big toe joint. It commonly occurs when the toe is forcibly bent upward beyond its normal range of motion, such as during activities like pushing off while running or jumping, particularly on artificial turf surfaces. This excessive bending can lead to damage or stretching of the ligaments surrounding the big toe joint.

Symptoms of turf toe include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the big toe joint. The pain may worsen with movement, particularly when pushing off or bending the toe. In some cases, there may be bruising or tenderness around the affected area.

Midfoot Tears

Midfoot tears typically refer to injuries involving the ligaments, tendons, or other soft tissues in the midfoot region. These tears can occur due to trauma, such as a sudden twisting motion or direct impact to the foot, or they may develop gradually over time due to repetitive stress or overuse.

Toe Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the toe, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints of the toe, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the big toe (hallux) joint, but it can also occur in the smaller toe joints.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, particularly in adults. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. The condition often presents as stabbing pain near the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.

Hand Injuries

Finger Sprain

A finger sprain is an injury to the ligaments that support the joints in the fingers. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other and provide stability to the joints. Finger sprains commonly occur when the finger is bent or twisted forcefully beyond its normal range of motion, causing stretching or tearing of the ligaments.

Finger Tendon Tear

A finger tendon tear occurs when one or more of the tendons that control movement of the fingers becomes partially or completely torn. Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones and allow for movement of the joints.

Hand/Finger Osteoarthritis

A finger tendon tear occurs when one or more of the tendons that control movement of the fingers becomes partially or completely torn. Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones and allow for movement of the joints.

Hip Injuries

Adductor Strain

An adductor strain, also known as a groin strain, refers to an injury involving the muscles of the inner thigh. The adductor muscles are responsible for pulling the legs together. Strains in these muscles typically occur when they are stretched beyond their limits or when they contract forcefully. Adductor strains are common in athletes who participate in sports that involve sudden changes in direction, kicking, or rapid acceleration, such as soccer, hockey, or basketball.

Iliopsoas Strain

An iliopsoas strain refers to an injury involving the iliopsoas muscle, which is a primary hip flexor. The iliopsoas muscle consists of two muscles: the iliacus and the psoas major. These muscles originate from different parts of the pelvis and spine and merge together to attach to the top of the femur (thigh bone). The iliopsoas muscle is crucial for activities such as walking, running, and bending at the waist.

Proximal Hamstring Tendonitis

Proximal hamstring tendonitis is a condition characterized by inflammation or irritation of the tendons that attach the hamstring muscles to the pelvis, specifically at their origin near the sitting bones (ischial tuberosities). The hamstring muscles are a group of three muscles located at the back of the thigh, which play a crucial role in hip extension and knee flexion.

Trochanteric Bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis, also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome, is a condition characterized by inflammation or irritation of the bursa located near the greater trochanter of the femur. The greater trochanter is the bony prominence on the outside of the hip where several muscles and tendons attach.

Knee Injuries

Quadriceps Strain

A quadriceps strain, also known as a quad strain, occurs when one or more of the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thigh are stretched beyond their limits or torn. The quadriceps muscles are a group of four muscles located at the front of the thigh, and they play a crucial role in activities such as running, jumping, and kicking.

Hamstring Strain

A hamstring strain, also known as a pulled hamstring, is a common injury that occurs when one or more of the muscles at the back of the thigh are stretched beyond their limits or torn. The hamstrings are a group of three muscles located at the back of the thigh: the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris.

ACL Tear

An ACL tear refers to a tear or rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the major ligaments in the knee joint. The ACL is a strong band of tissue that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee during activities such as running, jumping, and pivoting.

MCL Tear

An MCL tear refers to a tear or injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL), which is a band of tissue on the inner side of the knee joint. The MCL plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee and preventing excessive side-to-side movement. MCL tears are a common knee injury, particularly in activities that involve twisting, pivoting, or direct blows to the knee.

PCL Tear

A PCL tear refers to an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which is one of the major ligaments located inside the knee joint. The PCL plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee, particularly in preventing the shinbone (tibia) from moving too far backward in relation to the thigh bone (femur).

Meniscus Tear

A meniscus tear refers to an injury to one of the two crescent-shaped pieces of cartilage in the knee joint, known as the menisci. The menisci are located between the thigh bone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia) and serve as shock absorbers, cushioning the knee joint and helping to distribute weight evenly across the joint surface. Meniscus tears are common knee injuries, particularly among athletes and older adults, and can occur due to trauma or degenerative changes over time.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. This deterioration leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the affected knee. Risk factors for developing knee osteoarthritis include aging, obesity, previous knee injuries, and genetics. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and performing daily activities.

Patellar Tendonitis

Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This condition typically occurs due to overuse or repetitive stress on the tendon, often from activities such as jumping or running. Symptoms of patellar tendonitis include pain, tenderness, and swelling in the area just below the kneecap.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), also known as runner’s knee, is a common knee condition characterized by pain around or behind the kneecap (patella). This pain typically worsens with activities that involve bending the knee, such as running, squatting, or climbing stairs.

The exact cause of PFPS is often multifactorial and may include factors such as overuse, muscle imbalances, abnormal patellar tracking, tightness or weakness in the muscles around the knee, or problems with the alignment of the kneecap.

Pes Anserine Bursitis

Pes anserine bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pes anserine bursa, which is located on the medial (inner) aspect of the knee, just below the joint line. The pes anserine bursa acts as a cushion between the tendons of the hamstring muscles and the shinbone (tibia).

This condition typically occurs due to overuse, repetitive stress, or direct trauma to the area. Activities that involve repetitive bending of the knee, such as running, cycling, or climbing stairs, can contribute to the development of pes anserine bursitis. Additionally, obesity, muscle weakness or tightness, and improper training techniques may increase the risk of developing this condition.

Neck Injuries

Neck Strain

Neck strain refers to an injury to the muscles or tendons in the neck, typically caused by sudden movements, overuse, poor posture, or muscle tension. It often results in pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the neck area.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is a condition characterized by pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling that radiates from the neck down into the shoulder, arm, and sometimes the hand. It occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine (neck) becomes compressed or irritated.

Shoulder Injuries

AC Joint Sprain

An AC (acromioclavicular) joint sprain refers to an injury involving the acromioclavicular joint, which is located at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the highest point of the shoulder blade (acromion). This joint plays a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder and facilitating a range of motion, particularly overhead movements.

AC joint sprains often result from a sudden impact or trauma to the shoulder, such as a fall onto an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the shoulder. The severity of an AC joint sprain can vary depending on the extent of ligament damage and whether there is any displacement of the joint.

Rotator Cuff Sprain

A rotator cuff strain refers to an injury involving overstretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons in the rotator cuff, which are located in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is composed of four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles work together to stabilize and move the shoulder joint.

Biceps Tear

A biceps tear refers to an injury involving the tearing or rupture of the biceps tendon, which attaches the biceps muscle to the bone in the shoulder (proximal biceps tendon) or elbow (distal biceps tendon). The biceps muscle is located at the front of the upper arm and is responsible for flexing the elbow and rotating the forearm.

Labral Tear

A labral tear refers to an injury involving the tearing or damage to the labrum, which is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket (glenoid) of the shoulder joint or hip joint. The labrum serves to deepen the socket and provide stability to the joint, as well as to cushion and support the articulating bones.

Rotator Cuff Tear

A rotator cuff tear refers to a partial or complete tear in one or more of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder. As mentioned earlier, the rotator cuff is composed of four muscles and their associated tendons: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles work together to stabilize and facilitate movement of the shoulder joint.

Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis, also known as glenohumeral osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage, bones, and surrounding structures of the shoulder joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time, leading to pain, inflammation, and decreased joint function.

Biceps Tendonitis

Biceps tendonitis, also known as bicipital tendonitis, refers to inflammation or irritation of the biceps tendon, which attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder or elbow. The biceps tendon helps stabilize the shoulder joint and is involved in various arm movements, such as flexing the elbow and rotating the forearm.

Spine Injuries

Abdominal Strain

An abdominal strain, also known as a pulled abdominal muscle, occurs when one or more of the muscles in the abdominal wall are stretched or torn. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting the trunk, stabilizing the spine, and assisting with movements such as bending, twisting, and lifting.

Lumbar Strain

A lumbar strain, also known as a lower back strain, occurs when the muscles or ligaments in the lower back are stretched or torn. This type of injury is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. The lumbar region of the spine consists of five vertebrae (L1-L5) and the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support them.

Thoracic Strain

A thoracic strain, also known as a mid-back strain, occurs when the muscles or ligaments in the thoracic spine region, which comprises the middle portion of the spine, are stretched or torn. The thoracic spine is made up of twelve vertebrae (T1-T12) and is located between the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (lower back).

SI Joint Ligament Tear

A sacroiliac (SI) joint ligament tear occurs when one or more of the ligaments that support the sacroiliac joint become stretched, partially torn, or completely torn. The sacroiliac joints are located in the lower back and connect the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the iliac bones of the pelvis.

Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy, often referred to as sciatica, is a condition characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, and legs. This condition typically occurs when a spinal nerve root in the lumbar spine becomes compressed or irritated.

Sacroiliitis

Sacroiliitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac joints, which connect the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the iliac bones of the pelvis. These joints play a crucial role in transferring weight and forces between the upper body and the lower body during activities such as walking, running, and standing.

Wrist Injuries

Wrist Sprain

A wrist sprain is a common injury that occurs when one or more ligaments in the wrist are stretched or torn due to sudden force, twisting, or impact. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other and provide stability to the joints.

TFCC Tear

The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a structure located on the ulnar side of the wrist that helps stabilize the wrist joint. It consists of ligaments, cartilage, and other soft tissues. A TFCC tear occurs when there is damage to any part of this complex.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed as it passes through the carpal tunnel—a narrow passageway in the wrist. The median nerve controls sensation and movement in the thumb and first three fingers (index, middle, and ring fingers).

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons and the surrounding sheath (synovium) at the base of the thumb. It affects the tendons that control movement of the thumb, specifically the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons.