Sports Medicine New Jersey

Athletes, professional or amateur, put their bodies through far more than the average person. Unfortunately, high-level physical activities, impacts, and motions can lead to a multitude of injuries that can limit movement and produce intense pain. Dr. David Porter is a leading orthopedic surgeon focusing on sports medicine in New Jersey and is often called upon to treat professional and amateur athletes who have suffered an injury.

ADVANCED, MINIMALLY INVASIVE ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY AND NONSURGICAL ORTHOPAEDIC TREATMENT AND CARE

Because contact sports demand well-above-average exertion, extended range of motion, use of controlled force, and involve the receipt of stress, pressure, and trauma, sports can cause significant injuries to the the body. Fractures, ACL/MCL tears, rotator cuff tears, and other injuries are common.

To help these active patients who are invested in physically demanding careers, Dr. David Porter specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques for the treatment of sports-related injuries. These techniques provide such a wide range of patient benefits, including fewer potential complications, shorter recovery periods, and overall improved outcomes.

When it comes to being an athlete, or even a person who prioritizes physical activity it their life, it is imperative to maintain healthy muscle, ligament and joint health. Trust your care to an acclaimed orthopedic surgeon in New Jersey who remains ahead of the curve in the latest developments in medical science.

Why choose Dr. Porter?

Dr. Porter is a board-certified and highly trained Orthopedic Surgeon that specializes in sports medicine issues such as knee and shoulder pain. He earned his medical degree at Rutgers Medical School. From there, he went on to become the Chief Resident in Orthopaedic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Dr. Porter expanded his knowledge in the field further by completing a fellowship in Sports Medicine at Miami Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute. During his fellowship, Dr. Porter focused on minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques for the treatment of sports-related injuries. Throughout his career he has worked with numerous athletic teams, most notably the NHL Florida Panthers, the NBA Heat and the NFL Miami Dolphins.

Learn More About Dr. Porter

COMMON SPORTS INJURIES

Pro sports, school-sponsored sports, or vigorous exercise can all lead to inuries. Three common types of sports related injuries include:

ACL/MCL MENISCUS TEAR

Abnormal twisting motions beyond the knee’s natural limits can result in trauma to two crucial parts of the knee joint, namely the MCL and the ACL ligament. Typical symptoms include a loud popping sound that comes from the tearing of ligaments within the joint, extreme sharp pain and associated inflammation, and restricted movement including the ability to bend or stretch the knee.

ROTATOR CUFF TEAR

There are two main causes of rotator cuff tears: injury and degeneration. An injury to the rotator cuff, such as a tear, may happen suddenly when falling on an outstretched hand. It may also develop over time due to repetitive activities. The most common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear are recurrent pain, grating or cracking when moving your arm and limited ability to move your arm.

Fractures

When a bone is broken in the extremities such as the elbow or shoulder, the condition is serious and requires immediate treatment to heal and prevent permanent damage to the bone or surrounding soft tissue. The symptoms include severe pain, tenderness, swelling, or limited motion.

High-risk sports

Injuries can happen in any sport, but some carry a higher risk of causing damage, including:

Horseback riding
Snowmobiling
Hang gliding
Rock climbing
Hockey
Biking
Snowboarding
Skiing
Ski jumping
Football
Diving
Wrestling
Gymnastics
Golf
Volleyball

Man hitting golf ball on an open golf course.

Dr. Porter on Common Sports Injuries in Young Athletes

Advanced treatment for sports injuries

Dr. Porter will thoroughly evaluate your condition to determine the most effective treatment. He is conservative, and may recommend modified activity, physical therapy, or bracing before resorting to surgery, but when surgery is necessary, you want a surgeon who employs next-generation techniques. Dr. Porter is among the most talented orthopedic surgeons practicing in the USA and offers his professional help and knowledge of sports medicine in NJ to professional athletes and amateur players who are suffering an injury.

A state-of-the-art treatment plan customized to your needs

During your private consultation with Dr. Porter, he will assess your concerns and perform a detailed physical evaluation to determine the most effective treatment approach. Dr. Porter is a trusted authority when it comes to noninvasive as well as minimally invasive treatment options. These may include:

Joint injections — Joint injections are effective for addressing conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain in the knees, shoulders, and other areas. The goal of this approach is to minimize swelling and inflammation, enhancing the patient’s mobility and range of motion. Corticosteroid injections can help offset osteoarthritis, while hyaluronic acid injections can reduce joint pain in the knees.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound — The use of sound waves as a diagnostic tool has allowed sports medicine doctors to improve their accuracy and precision in terms of treatment. Previously, many musculoskeletal structures could only be viewed using an MRI or CT scan. Today, ultrasound technology is helping our physicians practicing sports medicine in NJ, to provide relief in the most minimally invasive and innovative ways possible.

Sports Medicine FAQ

Is it beneficial to warm up and cool down before and after sports?

It is beneficial to warm up and cool down to help improve performance and prevent injuries. Warming up before you play increases your circulation, which increases the flow of oxygen in your blood and causes more oxygen to reach your muscles. Warming up helps to prepare your heart, lungs, and muscles for strenuous exercise and may help reduce muscle soreness and decrease the risk of injury. Cooling down after your workout helps to regulate the heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow.

Should I stretch before playing sports?

Intentional stretching before a workout is an important part of preparing to play. Stretching helps to prepare your muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and other tissues loosened up and prepared for strenuous exercise.

What should I do if I feel pain or suspect an injury?

Do not continue to play or exercise. Rest the part of your body that is causing pain or that you think may be injured. Apply an icepack or cold compress over the area. Continue this four to eight times a day for no more than 20 minutes at a time. You can also support the injured part of your body with an elastic compression bandage.

Is there anything I can do to prevent sports injuries?

You can help prevent sports injuries by increasing flexibility with proper stretching before you work out, warming up before you play, and doing a proper cool down afterward, using proper equipment to protect yourself during activity, and staying well hydrated, which helps reduce muscle fatigue that can lead to injury.

Can I walk on a sprained knee?

It’s important not to put weight on the knee for 48 to 72 hours, or possibly longer, as this may cause increased pain and swelling. Resting the ligaments, muscles, and tendons gives the knee time to heal. You can use crutches to help keep the weight off the knee for about a week. Once the swelling begins to subside, you will be better able to walk with a knee brace.