Staying active, whether it is through playing a sport or exercising regularly, is important for people of all ages. It can help you maintain a healthy weight and increase your strength and flexibility. However, working out heavily may eventually put stress on your joints and make you susceptible to injury. If you are seeing a sports medicine physician about your injury soon, you should prepare accordingly.

Here are some tips to get ready for your appointment.

Prepare to Discuss How You Got Injured

One of the first things your sports medicine physician will want to know is how you got injured in the first place. Whether you got hurt jumping while playing basketball or performing a squat in the gym, give your physician all the details. 

Be Truthful About How Much Discomfort You've Been Feeling

There is no point in downplaying the amount of pain your experiencing. If your sports medicine doctor does not know the true extent of your pain, they can't help you properly. For example, if you hurt your leg while playing a sport and feel sharp pain in the morning, tell your physician that.

Discuss Past Injuries

Have you suffered other sports injuries in the past? If so, you should mention them to your sports medicine doctor. If you have injured the same area before, your physician may suggest a lengthier treatment.

Talk About Changes in Weight

If you are an athlete, your body requires adequate nutrition to perform properly. If you are not eating enough of the right foods, you may be at risk of injuring yourself. If you have lost a lot of weight suddenly, it may be a cause for concern. Your sports medicine doctor may advise you to talk to a nutritionist about improving your diet.

Ask Questions

During your first appointment with a sports medicine physician, don't hesitate to ask questions of your own. For example, you may want to find out how long the doctor has been practicing sports medicine and if they have experience treating injuries similar to yours. You may also want to find out if surgery is necessary or when you can resume your exercise routine.

If you follow these tips, you will have a successful first appointment with a sports medicine physician. Try to arrive a few minutes early to your appointment so that you can fill out the necessary medical forms.

For more information, contact a sports medicine service in your area.