Sports Medicine
Joint Injuries
Our sports medicine doctors, surgeons and physical therapists are dedicated to helping you heal from all types of joint injuries.
Medically reviewed by Brandee Waite, M.D. and Ryan Freshman, M.D. on April 13, 2026.
Sports Medicine Experts to Help You Recover From Injury
Joint injuries can affect any of your joints. There are two general types of joint injuries:
- Acute injuries happen during a specific event or accident that suddenly injures your joint.
- Chronic injuries happen gradually over time with continued use, or when you perform the same motion over and over.
Our sports medicine team includes experts from several different departments. We treat all types of joint injuries.
On this page
Types of Joint Injuries
Specific types of joint injuries include:
- Bursitis: Inflammation of a fluid-filled sac (bursa) that pads your joint.
- Dislocated joint: The bones of your joint get pushed or pulled out of position.
- Chronic strain: Over time, a tendon stretches or tears due to overuse.
- Fracture: An injury causes a crack in a bone.
- Sprain: Your ligament becomes stretched.
- Strain: Your muscle or tendon becomes stretched.
- Tear: A tear forms in a ligament, muscle or tendon near your joint.
Symptoms of Joint Injuries
Different types of joint injuries have different symptoms. Your symptoms may be mild or severe.
Common Symptoms
You may experience:
- Bruising
- Cracking, grinding, popping, or other similar sensations
- Difficulty moving
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Weakness
Emergency Symptoms
Call 911 or get medical attention right away if you experience:
- Broken bone
- Dislocated joint
- Severe swelling in your joint
Causes of Joint Injuries
Joint injuries have many causes, such as:
Accident or Falls
Accidents and falls may happen during everyday life, exercising, or playing sports.
Equipment Problems
Not using safety equipment while playing sports can cause a joint injury. Using gear that’s damaged or the wrong size can also lead to injury.
Incorrect Form or Technique
Using incorrect movements or postures during sports or other activities may lead to a joint injury.
Lack of Strength or Fitness
Doing a new activity or sport before you are fit or strong enough can cause a joint injury.
Overuse
Repeating the same motion, especially with incorrect form, may lead to an overuse injury.
Skipping Warm-Up Exercises
Not warming up or stretching properly before sports or other activities can lead to joint injuries.
Diagnosing Joint Injuries
Most joint injuries require one or more imaging tests. We have a full-service radiology department with the latest equipment for:
CT scan
An imaging test that uses many X-rays to create a picture of your injured joint and nearby muscles.
MRI
An imaging test that uses magnets and radio waves to help your physician look for muscle, tendon, ligament, or cartilage damage in and around your joint.
X-ray
An imaging test that can show fractures, arthritis, and other problems within your joint.
Ultrasound
An imaging test that uses sound waves to generate an image of soft tissues to assess for injury or abnormality.
Treatments for Joint Injuries
We treat all types of joint problems. We specialize in ankle, elbow, foot, knee, shoulder and hip injuries. Examples include ACL tears, rotator cuff injuries, hip labral tears, Achilles tendon tears, cartilage injuries, tennis elbow and fractures.
Your treatment depends on the type of injury you have. We offer a full range of the most advanced non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments.
Brace, Cast or Splint
You may need a cast for a fracture or a brace, splint or other device to immobilize your injured joint as it heals.
Cartilage, Ligament or Tendon Repair
Our orthopaedic surgeons perform the most advanced, minimally invasive reparative and reconstructive procedures for connective tissue tears.
Injections
We offer the latest injection therapies, including non-steroid anti-inflammatory, cortisone, local anesthetic, hyaluronic acid, and platelet rich plasma (PRP).
Joint Reconstruction
Our top-ranked Department of Orthopaedic Surgery specializes in joint reconstruction and replacement of the shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle.
Nutrition
Our registered dietitians provide nutrition recommendations for reducing your joint pain.
Physical Therapy
Our rehabilitation and physical therapy services can help you regain strength and mobility after a joint injury.
Tenex
We provide Tenex, a minimally invasive therapy for chronic tendon pain that can help you recover much faster than conventional surgery.
Acupuncture
We provide acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine therapy, as a part of pain treatment for joint injury. At UC Davis Health, this is a for-pay service.
Preventing Joint Injuries
Some joint injuries are not preventable, but there are things you can do to lower your risk:
Don’t Push Too Hard
Start slowly, especially if you’re trying a new activity. Listen to your body. Stop if you feel pain or strain.
Use Proper Form and Technique
Learn the right form and technique for each activity and type of exercise or sport you participate in.
Use the Right Equipment
Be sure you have the right equipment and protective gear and use them correctly.
Warm Up and Stretch
Warm up and stretch before every activity. Cool down and stretch after the activity.
ACL knee injuries affect
1 in 3.5KPeople in the U.S.
Source: National Library of Medicine: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Knee Injury
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Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and neonatology. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and recognized in 23 types of care including acute kidney failure, cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, diabetes & endocrinology, ear, nose & throat surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, geriatrics, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, pneumonia, pulmonology & lung surgery and stroke.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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