Dallas Sports Injury Care with Dr. McElya

Maintaining an active lifestyle is one of the best ways to support overall health, boost energy, and improve mood. Whether it’s running, cycling, playing basketball, or weekend soccer, being physically active comes with many benefits—but it also carries the risk of injury. Understanding the most frequent sports injuries, knowing the warning signs, and seeking timely care are key to staying healthy and preventing long-term issues.

At Neighborhood Medical Center in Dallas, Dr. McElya works with many adults who have experienced sports-related injuries. He stresses that even mild but persistent discomfort should be evaluated early, as prompt attention often improves recovery and helps you return to activity safely.

The Most Common Sports Injuries

Sprains and Strains
Sprains involve overstretched or torn ligaments, while strains affect muscles or tendons. These injuries often occur during sudden movements, overexertion, or incorrect form. Minor sprains and strains may improve with rest and gentle stretching, but persistent pain, swelling, or limited movement should be assessed by a professional.

Knee Injuries
The knee is one of the most commonly injured joints in sports. Ligament tears, meniscus injuries, and tendon irritation can result from running, jumping, or twisting motions. Untreated knee injuries can limit mobility, lead to compensatory issues in other joints, or result in chronic discomfort.

Shoulder Problems
Shoulder pain is common in sports involving throwing, swimming, or weightlifting. Rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, and joint instability may develop gradually or after a sudden incident. Early evaluation by Dr. McElya can identify the underlying cause, prevent further damage, and guide recovery.

Ankle Twists
Ankle sprains frequently occur in activities that involve quick changes of direction. Swelling, bruising, or difficulty walking are typical signs. Proper care restores stability and lowers the risk of repeated injuries.

Tendonitis
Overuse or repetitive movements can lead to tendon inflammation, known as tendonitis. It can affect elbows, knees, wrists, or shoulders, causing pain, stiffness, and limited motion. Treatment generally includes rest, targeted exercises, and, in some cases, interventions to reduce inflammation.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Dr. McElya often tells patients, “Even small aches can point to something bigger—if discomfort lingers or limits your activity, it’s worth getting checked.” Warning signs that warrant a professional evaluation include:

• Sudden or sharp pain
• Persistent discomfort that doesn’t improve with rest
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around a joint
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in a limb
• Pain interfering with daily activities or sleep

Addressing these signs promptly can prevent the injury from worsening and support a safer, more effective recovery.

Sports Injury Evaluation and Ongoing Care

At Neighborhood Medical Center, sports injury care starts with a careful, individualized evaluation led by Dr. McElya. Rather than focusing only on where it hurts, the visit looks at how the injury occurred, current activity levels, and how the body is moving as a whole. Exams often include reviewing medical history, assessing joint function, muscle strength, flexibility, and movement patterns that may contribute to injury. When appropriate, imaging or additional testing may be used to clarify the diagnosis.

Treatment plans are tailored to each patient and may include:

• Activity adjustments to allow proper healing while maintaining mobility
• Rehabilitation or physical therapy exercises to restore strength and stability
• Trigger point injections for ongoing muscle tightness or localized pain
• Pain management options, including safe medications or topical therapies
• Education and guidance on warm-ups, conditioning, and injury prevention

Neighborhood Medical Center also has licensed podiatrists on site, allowing for integrated care when foot, ankle, or gait-related issues contribute to sports injuries. This team-based approach helps address injuries more completely and supports safer movement moving forward.

Dr. McElya emphasizes that recovery doesn’t end when pain improves. Identifying contributing factors and correcting them early helps reduce the risk of repeat injuries and supports long-term muscle and joint health.

When to Seek Professional Care

If you’ve experienced a sports injury, or notice pain that is persistent, sharp, or unusual, it’s time to get evaluated. Dr. McElya at Neighborhood Medical Center in Dallas offers comprehensive assessments and develops personalized treatment plans to help you recover safely and get back to the activities you enjoy.

Taking care of your muscles and joints isn’t just about comfort—it’s about keeping your body strong, flexible, and ready for everyday life and athletic pursuits. Schedule your sports injury evaluation with Dr. McElya today.