Staying Active Comes with Risks (and Sports Injuries..). We’re Here to Help
Staying active is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, especially here in beautiful Southwest Florida. From golf courses and tennis courts to running trails and aquatic sports, Fort Myers and the surrounding areas offer endless opportunities to stay in motion. With activity comes risk, and unfortunately, sports injuries are a common setback for athletes and active individuals of all ages.
At Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida (OSSWF), our Sports Medicine team is here to help you recover and return to the activities you love. Our fellowship-trained physicians specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing a wide range of sports injuries in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida.
Excellence in Sports Injury Treatment in Fort Myers
We are dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality sports injury care in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. Our team understands that every patient is unique, and so is every injury. That’s why we take a personalized, patient-centered approach to treatment.From initial diagnosis through recovery and prevention, our sports medicine specialists combine advanced technology, evidence-based techniques, and compassionate care to deliver results that matter.
Common Sports Injuries We Treat
ACL and Other Ligament Injuries
ACL tears are among the most well-known sports injuries. These often occur during sports that involve sudden stops, directional changes, jumping, or contact- like soccer, football, or basketball. Other knee ligaments such as the MCL or PCL can also be torn or sprained in high-impact situations.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is cartilage that cushions the knee joint. Sports that involve pivoting, twisting, or rapid turning (like tennis or skiing) can result in painful meniscus tears.These often require medical evaluation and treatment ranging from physical therapy to surgery.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Common in overhead sports like baseball, swimming, and tennis, rotator cuff injuries cause pain, weakness, and limited shoulder motion. . At OSSWF, we specialize in rotator cuff injury recovery, from conservative treatments to surgical repair if needed.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Overuse of the forearm muscles during repetitive motions, especially in racquet sports, can lead to inflammation and pain on the outside of the elbow. Known as tennis elbow, this injury can impact grip strength and daily function.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive force or overuse. Runners, dancers, and athletes in high-impact sports may develop these injuries in their feet, legs, or hips. Early diagnosis is key to preventing complications.
Sprains and Strains
Ankle sprains, hamstring pulls, and other muscle or tendon strains are frequent in both recreational and competitive sports. These injuries often result from overstretching or direct impact and vary in severity.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and can become strained or even ruptured during sports involving sprinting, jumping, or sudden stops. Timely care can prevent long-term mobility issues.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Common in athletes who play basketball or volleyball, patellar tendonitis is caused by overuse of the knee. The inflammation of the tendon can lead to persistent pain during jumping, squatting, or climbing stairs.
Do I Need Surgery for My Sports Injury?
Not all sports injuries require surgery. Many can be successfully treated with non-surgical options such as:
- Physical therapy
- Bracing
- Injection therapy
- Rest and rehabilitation programs
If your injury is severe or conservative treatment is not effective , our team may recommend minimally invasive surgery or traditional procedures. At OSSWF, our specialists work closely with each patient to create an individualized treatment plan that matches your lifestyle and recovery goals.
How Is Sports Medicine Different from General Orthopedic Care?
Sports medicine is a specialized field of orthopedic care that focuses specifically on injuries related to physical activity, movement, and performance. Unlike general orthopedics, sports medicine emphasizes:
- Injury prevention
- Performance enhancement
- Sport-specific rehabilitation
Our Fort Myers-based sports medicine physicians treat patients of all levels- from student-athletes and fitness enthusiasts to professional competitors.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Sports Injury?
- Recovery timelines vary based on the injury type, severity, and treatment approach: Minor strains and sprains:2-4 weeks
- Moderate ligament or tendon injuries:6-12 weeks
- Post-surgical recoveries: Several months
Our OSSWF team will guide you through each phase of the recovery process, ensuring safe progress and long-term success.
Does OSSWF Accept Health Insurance?
Yes. At Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida, we believe that premium orthopedic care should be accessible. We accept a wide range of insurance plans for patients throughout Fort Myers and Southwest Florida. Visit our Insurance page for a full list of accepted providers.
Our Sports Medicine Providers
Our fellowship-trained orthopedic team offers comprehensive sports injury care in Fort Myers:
- Charles Springer, MD
- Fletcher Reynolds, MD
- Jeremy Schwartz, MD
- Brandon Barnes, MD
- W. Zachary Stone, MD
- Francesca Swartz, DO
These experienced providers work together to offer both surgical and non-surgical care for patients with sports-related injuries. Their combined expertise ensures that every patient receives a comprehensive and personalized recovery plan.
Get Back in the Game with OSSWF
If you’re suffering from a sports injury in Fort Myers or the SWFL area, the team at Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida is here to help. We are passionate about getting athletes and active individuals back on their feet, stronger, healthier, and more resilient than ever.
Ready to get back in the game? Our experts are standing by to help you recover and perform at your best.
Call (239) 334-7000 or visit www.osswf.com to schedule your sports injury consultation today. .
