Current sports medicine reports
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Running injuries are common. Recently the demographic has changed, in that most runners in road races are older and injuries now include those more common in master runners. In particular, Achilles/calf injuries, iliotibial band injury, meniscus injury, and muscle injuries to the hamstrings and quadriceps represent higher percentages of the overall injury mix in recent epidemiologic studies compared with earlier ones. ⋯ Evidence-based research now helps guide the treatment of iliotibial band, patellofemoral syndrome, and Achilles tendinopathy. The use of topical nitroglycerin in tendinopathy and orthotics for the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome has moderate to strong evidence. Thus, more current knowledge about the changing demographics of runners and the application of research to guide treatment and, eventually, prevent running injury offers hope that clinicians can help reduce the high morbidity associated with long-distance running.
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Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving is an ever-growing sport, and despite a myriad of technological advances to improve safety, it remains dangerous. Providers of medical care for SCUBA divers must have an understanding of diving physiology and potential medical problems that can occur. SCUBA diving also can take participants to remote areas, so being properly prepared for potential emergencies can make a significant difference. The following is a review of diving physiology and the medical problems that can occur in SCUBA divers, along with some suggestions as to how to prepare for a SCUBA excursion.
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The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is proud to feature Elizabeth A. Joy, MD, MPH, FACSM, for this issue's Clinician Profile. Dr. ⋯ Dr. Joy has served on ACSM's Board of Trustees and is currently the Vice-President for Medicine, serves on ACSM's 'Exercise is Medicine' Task Force, and is an associate editor for Current Sports Medicine Reports (CSMR). Her research interests include physical activity assessment and promotion, practice-based research in primary care, the Female Athlete Triad, exercise during pregnancy, and injury prevention.
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Curr Sports Med Rep · Mar 2011
Case ReportsUltrasound-guided percutaneous neuroplasty of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve for the treatment of meralgia paresthetica: a case report and description of a new ultrasound-guided technique.
The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) can be visualized with ultrasound imaging using a high frequency linear transducer. The entrapment of the LFCN, often near the lateral aspect of the inguinal ligament, is accepted as an etiology of meralgia paresthetica (MP). ⋯ This procedure resulted in immediate, long-term relief of pain associated with severe, chronic MP. This procedure may potentially represent an alternate treatment for patients with contraindications or partial contraindications to surgical neurolysis, nerve transection (usually described as being performed under general anesthesia), or corticosteroid injection, or in patients not responding to conservative treatment measures.
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Curr Sports Med Rep · Jan 2011
ReviewSystemic hypothermia for the treatment of acute cervical spinal cord injury in sports.
Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition that affects approximately 12,000 patients each year in the United States. Major causes for spinal cord injury include motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and direct trauma. ⋯ In a recent Phase I clinical trial, systemic hypothermia has been shown to be safe and provide some encouraging results in terms of functional recovery. This review will summarize recent preclinical data, as well as clinical findings that support the continued investigations for the use of hypothermia in severe cervical spinal cord injury.