Dealing with orthopedic injuries? Get back in the game.

It’s frustrating when an injury keeps you from doing what you love. Andrew Curley, MD, who cares for patients at TidalHealth Orthopedics in Seaford and Millsboro, Del., is here to help you get back out there.  

Dr. Curley says there are two major types of sports injuries — acute and chronic. Acute injuries come on suddenly during activity, such as hearing a “pop” in your knee during a sports activity. Chronic injuries can’t quite be traced back to one incident and oftentimes occur over a period of weeks to months.  

For acute injuries, with an injury to a joint and the inability to return to playing your sport, Dr. Curley recommends seeing a medical professional soon after the incident. Not every acute injury needs surgery, but it’s best to have it evaluated as soon as possible.   

While chronic injuries can also be bothersome to athletes, these injuries should also be evaluated by a medical professional if the injury fails to improve with a period of rest and rehabilitation.  There are various types of chronic injuries, and continuing to exercise with some of them could cause problems. So, it’s important to see a doctor, who can come up with a plan of action, he says.  

Dr. Curley says certain types of chronic injuries can be comprehensively treated with physical therapy. TidalHealth Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is in the same building as TidalHealth Orthopedics in Seaford.  

Dr. Curley says it’s important to make decisions with the doctor, therapist or provider you’re working with. He wants to work together with his patients to achieve their goals, whether they are a high-level athlete or just looking to stay active to live a healthy lifestyle. 

“It’s important to tailor your treatment to your goals,” he said.