Sports Medicine

An ACL injury is damage to the anterior cruciate ligament, a key stabilizer in the knee that prevents the shinbone from sliding forward and helps control rotation, commonly injured during sports that involve cutting, pivoting or jumping.

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The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. When it becomes irritated and inflamed from overuse or wear and tear as we age, it can get painful and stiff.

It is often caused by any of the following:

• Rapidly increasing exercise intensity or duration
• Tight calf muscles
• Skipping warm-ups or stretching
• Running on hard or uneven surfaces
• Wearing unsupportive or worn-out shoes
• Bone spurs at the heel where the tendon attaches

Symptoms often begin as mild discomfort and gradually worsen with activity. Common signs include:

• Pain and stiffness along the back of the heel or tendon, especially in the morning
• Swelling that worsens throughout the day
• Pain that increases with activity or exercise
• Tenderness or thickening along the tendon
• Severe pain the day after exercising
• Swelling or fullness on the back side of the heel
• Bone spur formation in chronic cases

If you hear a “pop” or experience sudden sharp pain, see a doctor immediately (Urgent Care or Emergency Room) — it may be a rupture rather than tendinitis.

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The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body. It is used pretty much whenever you move your leg, but perhaps most notably during jumping. This is when it is most vulnerable to injury.

An Achilles tendon injury occurs when the tendon becomes strained, inflamed or torn due to overuse or sudden stress. A total rupture of the tendon, which most people are familiar seeing in sports, typically happens when there is an acute action or event that stresses the tendon on top of prolonged overuse.

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A broken ankle can be a simple break of one bone or several bones that make up your ankle. The more bones that break, the more difficult it is to walk or put any pressure on the joint.

Ankle fractures occur most often from:

• Rolling or twisting the ankle while walking or running
• Tripping or falling from a height
• Direct impact, such as during a car accident or sports injury

You might have an ankle fracture if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Immediate and severe pain
• Swelling or bruising around the joint
• Tenderness to the touch
• Inability to put weight on that foot or ankle
• Visible deformity or a bone that looks “out of place”

Your treatment plan will vary by the type(s) of bones that are broken and the severity of the injury. If the broken bone is not out of place, nonsurgical treatment may be an option. These range from wearing a high-top tennis shoe for added stability to a short leg cast.

If the ankle fracture is more severe or complex, surgery may be recommended. The OrthoNebraska team will work collaboratively with you to determine your needs, risks and the appropriate treatment plan.

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Ankle sprains are among the most common orthopedic injuries, from twisting your ankle stepping off a curb or landing wrong during a game of basketball. With the right care, you can get back to the activities you love without lasting issues. Mild sprains usually heal in 1-3 weeks, moderates sprains in 3-6 weeks and severe sprains can take 6-12 weeks or longer.

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Back Sprains and strains are often caused during sports activities or daily tasks. Sprains are ligament injuries and strains are muscle or tendon injuries.

Most acute (sudden) injuries of this type can be treated using the RICE method:

• Rest
• Ice the injury site for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day
• Compression bandage
• Elevate the injury site above your heart

However, moderate or severe strains may benefit from evaluation and a treatment plan from medications like muscle relaxants, home exercises, or heat or ice therapies. At OrthoNebraska, we believe in working together to arrive at a treatment plan that balances the risks and benefits as you recover.

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Elbow bursitis (olecranon bursitis) is a condition where the fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow becomes irritated and inflamed, leading to noticeable swelling—sometimes called “Popeye elbow.” It may be painless or cause discomfort, and symptoms like redness, warmth, and tenderness can indicate a possible infection.

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Flexor tendons are essential for bending the fingers and thumb, enabling grip and hand function. Injuries to these tendons—often caused by deep cuts, trauma, or repetitive strain—can lead to pain, loss of motion, and inability to bend the affected finger.

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Fractures of your toes and forefoot are relatively common and often the result of a direct blow to the foot or overuse and repetitive stress from high-impact sports like running and basketball.

Symptoms of a toe or forefoot fracture include:

Bruising or discoloration that extends to nearby parts of the foot
Pain when walking or putting weight on that foot
If you’ve noticed swelling, bruising or pain when you walk — especially after an injury or long periods on your feet — it could be more than a simple sprain. If you feel you may have a foot fracture, apply ice immediately, elevate your foot, do not put weight on that foot and add light compression by wrapping your foot. Seek care care right away, or at the least after a couple days if you symptoms do not improve.

If a fracture is confirmed, treatment will depend on the location of the injury and the type of fracture. For broken toes, “buddy taping” might be recommended. When the fracture is in the forefoot, elevation and limited weight-bearing are likely treatments with the possibility of a cast or walking boot. Surgery is not often recommended for foot fractures, but may be if it is complex or at risk for improper healing.

The OrthoNebraska team will work collaboratively with you to determine your needs, risks and the appropriate treatment plan.

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Elbow fractures and dislocations are serious injuries usually caused by trauma or a sports injury, such as falls or direct impact, that can disrupt normal arm movement. Fractures involve broken bones, while dislocations occur when the joint is forced out of alignment, and both can happen together.

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A knee ligament injury occurs when one or more of the ligaments that stabilize the knee are stretched or torn, often during sports that involve contact, twisting or sideways forces on the joint.

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A patellar dislocation occurs when the kneecap slips partially or completely out of its normal groove at the end of the thighbone, often due to a fall, direct blow, twisting movement or underlying structural factors in the knee.

Symptoms commonly include pain and swelling around the kneecap, a popping sensation, visible knee deformity, buckling or instability, and apprehension or fear when bending or changing direction, with diagnosis based on a physical exam and imaging such as X‑rays or MRI.

Treatment depends on injury severity and recurrence risk, ranging from bracing, temporary immobilization and physical therapy for first‑time dislocations to surgical stabilization or reconstruction for recurrent instability or structural abnormalities.

At OrthoNebraska, care is personalized to the cause of the dislocation and the patient’s activity goals, focusing on comfort, clear guidance and a targeted plan to restore knee stability, reduce pain and support a safe return to daily activities and sports.

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Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), often called runner’s knee or jumper’s knee, is a common condition that causes pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap due to irritation or stress on the tissues that help the patella move smoothly.

Symptoms usually include a dull, aching pain behind or around the kneecap that worsens with activities like running, squatting, climbing stairs or sitting for long periods, sometimes accompanied by popping or crackling sensations, with diagnosis based on symptoms, exam findings and activity history.

Treatment is typically nonsurgical and focuses on reducing pain and correcting contributing factors through activity modification, rest, ice, strengthening and flexibility exercises, physical therapy, footwear or orthotic support, with surgery reserved for rare, severe cases that don’t respond to conservative care.

At OrthoNebraska, treatment is individualized to address muscle imbalances, movement patterns and activity goals, helping patients feel supported and confident while restoring comfort, function and a safe return to everyday activities and sports.

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A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more of the tendons in your rotator cuff is no longer fully attached to your humerus bone (arm). As with tears in other parts of the body, rotator cuff tears are most often caused by an acute injury such as a fall or from long-term wear and tear.

Additional risk factors for rotator cuff tears include repetitive lifting and overhead activities. Because of this, athletes and certain occupations are often impacted:

• Tennis players
• Baseball pitchers
• Painters
• Carpenters

You might have a rotator cuff tear if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Pain at rest and night
• Pain when lifting or lowering your arm
• Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
• Feeling of a cracking sensation when moving your shoulder in certain ways

It is important to reduce activity and seek medical attention if you might have a rotator cuff tear. Continuing to lift or participate in sports can cause further damage. Your OrthoNebraska team will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your individual needs, whether that involves nonsurgical or surgical treatment.

Nonsurgical treatment for rotator cuff tears includes:

• Rest
• Limited activity
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Injections

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A tear in the ring of cartilage surrounding the socket of the shoulder joint is called a labrum tear or SLAP tear (superior labrum anterior and posterior). The location of the tear can also impact the bicep tendon and cause additional challenges. Throwing athletes and weightlifters have a higher risk of a labrum tear.

Acute trauma and repetitive shoulder motion are the primary causes of labrum tears. This includes:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Fall onto an outstretched arm
• Forced pulling of the arm
• Forced movement of the arm when it’s raised above shoulder level
• Shoulder dislocation

Labrum tear symptoms include:

• A sensation of locking, popping, catching or grinding in your shoulder
• Pain with shoulder movement or holding your arm in specific positions
• Pain when lifting an object
• Reduced shoulder strength
• Feeling as though your shoulder might pop out of joint
• Reduced range of motion

It’s not uncommon for labrum tears to be treated without surgery. Nonsurgical treatment options include anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. If your symptoms and pain do not improve with medication and therapy, surgery may be recommended. OrthoNebraska’s specialists will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your individual needs and goals.

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Shoulder impingement often affects people with frequent overhead motion, such as athletes or those in jobs involving repetitive lifting. It can also develop after minor injuries.

Symptoms may start mild but can worsen and include:

• Pain with activity or at rest
• Pain radiating from the shoulder down the arm
• Pain with lifting, reaching or throwing

Over time, symptoms may progress to night pain, weakness, limited motion and difficulty with daily tasks.

Treatment usually begins with nonsurgical options like medications, physical therapy and injections. If symptoms persist, minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy may be recommended.

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There are many different types of shoulder injuries, many of which are caused by athletic activities that require repetitive, overhead motion. However, the same can be true for any activity that involves repeated overhead movements such as washing walls and gardening.

You might have a shoulder injury if you answer “yes” to the following questions:

• Is your shoulder stiff?
• Do you have trouble moving your arm or shoulder into certain positions?
• Does your shoulder feel like it could “pop out” of the socket?
• Do you feel like you’ve lost shoulder strength during typical tasks?

Because the shoulder is comprised of bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles, the exact cause and solution to your injury should be diagnosed by an orthopedic specialist.

Treatment of your shoulder injury depends on the severity of your injury. More than likely shoulder strengthening exercises will be recommended, along with anti-inflammatory medication.

If relief is not achieved through nonsurgical methods, surgery may be recommended, typically a minimally invasive shoulder scope.

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A shoulder joint tear appears in the tissue rim that surrounds the shoulder socket. This type of injury can be the result of trauma such as falling, a direct blow or sudden pull or from repetitive shoulder movement like throwing.

You may have a shoulder joint tear if any of the following symptoms are present:

• Feeling of instability in your shoulder
• Dislocation
• Pain with overhead activities
• Sounds of catching, locking, popping or grinding
• Night pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Loss of strength

Initial treatment for a shoulder joint tear could include anti-inflammatory medication and rest followed by rehabilitation exercises. However, if your injury does not appear to heal, surgery may be recommended, typically a minimally invasive shoulder scope.  Your OrthoNebraska team will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your individual needs.

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A spinal cord injury results when a fall or traumatic injury such as a car accident fractures or dislocates the vertebrae bones in your spine.

Symptoms resulting from damage to the spinal cord might include pain when moving your back or spine, partial or complete loss of feeling and muscle control (paralysis) and problems with bowel or bladder control.

A detailed diagnosis is really important, even if your symptoms are minor, because damaged nerves tend to recover quickly or not at all. Seeing a specialist in treating spinal cord injuries who will put together a detailed treatment plan for your situation can make a big difference when it comes to the final outcome and recovery from a spinal cord injury.

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Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a common overuse injury caused by repetitive arm motions that strain the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It leads to pain, tenderness, and weak grip strength, often affecting everyday activities. While commonly seen in athletes, it can impact anyone with repetitive arm use, especially adults ages 30–50.

Most cases improve with nonsurgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, medications, and bracing. Surgery is rarely needed and only considered for severe, persistent symptoms. With proper care, most people recover gradually over time and regain normal function.

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