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Sports Medicine Specialist

Rapid City Orthopedics

Joseph L Humpherys, D.O.

Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine located in Rapid City, SD

Finding yourself injured and unable to play your favorite sport is frustrating as well as painful. If you suffer an injury on the field or court, fellowship-trained sports medicine expert Joseph Humpherys, DO, can help. Dr. Humpherys specializes in treating sports injuries at Rapid City Orthopedics in Rapid City, South Dakota. He helps people at all levels get back to their active lifestyles. To benefit from his experience in sports medicine, call the office today or book an appointment online.

Sports Medicine Q&A

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine aims to help you perform at your best and make a speedy recovery from any injuries. While the focus is on people training for and competing in sports, sports medicine principles can help anyone who leads an active life.

Dr. Humpherys specializes in sports medicine. He has undergone fellowship training and worked with several college and professional sports teams. He is equally at home providing support and advice to amateur athletes and weekend warriors.

What conditions does a sports medicine doctor treat?

Dr. Humpherys has considerable experience diagnosing and treating injuries and conditions that affect athletes, including:

  • Ankle sprains
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Muscle strains
  • Tendinitis
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Shin splints
  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
  • Articular cartilage injuries
  • Meniscus tears
  • Labral tears
  • Dislocations
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Golfer’s elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Tennis elbow (medial epicondylitis)

In addition to treating these conditions, Dr. Humpherys teaches you how to prevent these injuries from happening. He offers invaluable advice on aspects of sports medicine, like proper warming up and cooling down routines, sporting techniques, using the appropriate footwear and equipment, and nutrition.

How does a sports medicine doctor diagnose my condition?

When you see Dr. Humpherys at Rapid City Orthopedics, he begins by asking you how your injury happened and the symptoms you’re experiencing. He also does a complete physical exam and medical history review.

If necessary, Dr. Humpherys will take blood or urine for lab tests. He might also need X-rays, a CT scan, an MRI, or a musculoskeletal ultrasound to arrive at a diagnosis.

What treatments does a sports medicine doctor use?

After diagnosing your symptoms, Dr. Humpherys develops a personalized treatment plan for you. Depending on the condition you have and its severity, sports medicine treatments can include:

  • Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
  • Use of a brace, splint, or sling
  • Physical therapy
  • Strengthening workouts
  • Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
  • Steroid injections

These treatments can be very effective in resolving minor to moderate sports injuries. If you have a more severe condition or one that isn’t responding to treatment, Dr. Humpherys will probably recommend surgery. He specializes in advanced arthroscopic techniques to repair tendons and cartilage and reconstruct ligaments.

If you injure yourself playing sports or exercising, visit an expert in sports medicine for the most effective treatment. Call Rapid City Orthopedics today or book an appointment online.