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Sports Medicine

Sports injuries occur when playing indoor or outdoor sports or while exercising. Sports injuries can result from accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises. The most common sports injuries are sprains and strains, fractures, and dislocations.

The most common treatment recommended for injury is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).

  • Rest: Avoid activities that may cause injury
  • Ice: Ice packs can be applied to the injured area which will help to diminish swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel to the affected area for 15-20 minutes four times a day for several days. Never place ice directly over the skin
  • Compression: Compression of the injured area helps to reduce swelling. Elastic wraps, air casts, and splints can accomplish this
  • Elevation: Elevate the injured part above heart level to reduce swelling and pain.

Some of the measures that are followed to prevent sports related injuries include:

  • Follow an exercise program to strengthen the muscles
  • Gradually increase your exercise level and avoid overdoing the exercise
  • Ensure that you wear properly-fitted protective gear such as elbow guards, eye gear, facemasks, mouthguards, and pads, comfortable clothes, and athletic shoes before playing any sports activity which will help to reduce the chances of injury
  • Make sure that you follow warm up and cool down exercises before and after sports activity. Exercises will help to stretch the muscles, increase flexibility, and reduce soft tissue injuries
  • Avoid exercising immediately after eating a large meal
  • Maintain a healthy diet which will nourish the muscles
  • Avoid playing when you are injured or tired. Take a break for sometime after playing
  • Learn all the rules of the game you are participating in
  • Ensure that you are physically fit to play the sport

Common Sports Injuries

Foot and ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries include the injuries in the leg below the knee and they are common while playing sports such as football, hockey, skating and in athletes. Treatment for some of these conditions may be orthotics, braces, physical therapy, injections or surgery. Common sports injuries include sprains and strains, ankle fractures, and Achilles tendinitis.

Shoulder Injuries
Severe pain in shoulders while playing your favorite sports such as tennis, basketball and gymnastics may be because of torn ligament in shoulder or shoulder dislocation. These may be caused by overuse of shoulder while playing sports. Simple pain or acute injuries may be treated with conservative treatment and chronic injuries may require surgical treatment.

Hip Injuries
Fractures of the femur bone, labral tear and hip dislocation are some of the common sports injuries affecting the hip. Hip joint bears more weight and is more susceptible for injuries while playing sports. Hip injuries require immediate medical intervention to avoid further complications. Rehabilitation programs and physical therapy is often recommended following the medical intervention where you need to perform certain exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve the movements.

Knee Injuries
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is major stabilizing ligament in the knee which may tear with over use of knee for playing sports. The ACL has poor ability to heal and may cause instability. Other common sports injuries in knee are cartilage damage and meniscal tear. Knee injuries of sports may require surgical intervention that can be performed using open surgical or minimally invasive technique. Your surgeon will recommend you for physical therapy to strengthen your muscles, improve elasticity and improve the movements of the bones and joints.

Learn more from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Tori Homb, APN

Surgical Assistant + Master’s in Family Nurse Practitioning

Tori Homb, originally from  the surrounding Rockford area, graduated from Walden University in 2019 with a Master’s in Family Nurse Practitioning. Tori  has been working alongside Dr. Trenhaile since 2008 in the operating room as a surgical assistant. She has continued her education and transitioned into the advanced practice role as a nurse practitioner and now assists him with formulating diagnoses, treatment plans, as well as providing surgical assistance. Tori helps to manage preoperative and postoperative patient care as well as sports medicine education.  In her spare time she enjoys playing recreational sports such as volleyball, softball, and working out, and running as well as spending time with her husband Shawn, friends, and family. 

Kari Stockton, RN, BSN

Registered Nurse + Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Kari was born and raised in Southern Wisconsin on a dairy farm. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from St. Anthony College of Nursing. Prior to joining Dr. Trenhaile’s team in 2004, Kari worked in the Neuro/Trauma ICU at St. Anthony Medical Center. Kari currently resides in Rockton, Illinois with her husband and enjoys hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Alyssa Fetterhoff
Alyssa Fetterhoff received a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from North Central College. Prior to joining Dr. Trenhaile’s team in 2017, Alyssa worked as a rehab technician at New Millennium Medical in Belvidere, IL. Alyssa aids the Physician Assistants in designing treatment plans, as well as implementing pre- and postoperative patient care.

Dr. Scott Trenhaile

Clinical Assistant Professor/ Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. Scott Trenhaile, Orthopaedic Surgeon from Rockford, Illinois, is dedicated to the continuous advancement of healthcare and specialized in knee, shoulder and elbow.

Click to View Dr. Trenhaile’s About Page.

Michael Gilbertson, PAC

Physician Assistant

Michael Gilbertson, a native to Rockford, has been with Dr. Trenhaile’s team as a Physician Assistant since 2004 after graduating from Midwestern University. As part of the sports medicine department, Michael assists Dr. Trenhaile in formulating diagnoses and treatment plans as well as providing surgical assistance. Michael manages all preoperative and postoperative patient education. In his spare time he lives enjoys wakeboarding, hockey and spending time with his wife Kim and children Myles and Kylie.

Ana Holleman

Ana Holleman, has been with Orthoillinois since 2005 working various roles. In 2017 she joined Dr. Trenhaile’s team to be his surgery scheduler. Ana’s key roles in surgery scheduling include setting up medical clearances for patients, notifying the facilities of the procedure and equipment, pre-certifying the surgery with insurance and comforting patients.