Phoenix, AZ, January 30, 2014 -- With so many choices of youth sports each season, kids and young adults can play sports year round, making them susceptible to a multitude of sports injuries.

While physical activity is necessary for growing children, too much or too intense activity can cause damage or injury to their bodies. According to an article in USA Today, 1.35 million youths, age 19 and under, attain serious sports injuries that lead to emergent hospital visits each year. Among the most popular sports, football, basketball and soccer are the most common for injury, although not understating others. Strains and sprains, fractures, and contusions and abrasions are the most common forms of injury, with concussions not far behind.

Dr. Shelden Martin of OrthoArizona encourages his patients to take every step necessary before and during the season to prevent serious injuries.

It is essential to get a pre-participation physical, appropriate equipment and perform necessary conditioning before beginning the season to make sure that they are ready in regards to physical and safety preparedness.

During the season, early recognition of injuries and possible treatment is critical to preventing further damage. Any injury that involves swelling, discoloration, loss of function however minor, or visible deformity should be seen by a physician. While some of these injuries can heal on their own or with remedies like ice and ibuprofen, others can worsen and cause serious damage if ignored or played on without proper healing.

Dr. Martin specializes in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine for any injury. He has worked with professional, collegiate and high school sports teams.

Currently, Dr. Martin is the head team physician for the world champion Arizona Rattlers and team physician for Desert Vista High School. Previously, Dr. Martin served as part of the team medical staffs for the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Knights, Joe Gibbs Racing Team and the University of North Carolina.

Dr. Martin specializes in complex arthroscopic surgery, including ligament reconstruction, cartilage transplants, shoulder and elbow joint replacements, and reverse shoulder replacements.

“We use the latest nonoperative and surgical treatments for a wide range of orthopedic problems and sports related injuries,” Dr. Martin said. “Our job is to get you back to activity as soon as possible.”

Dr. Martin is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from LaSalle University in Philadelphia. He performed research at the University of Pennsylvania that led to the discovery of the gene responsible for a rare genetic bone disease. Dr. Martin graduated from medical school at Georgetown University and completed his residency training at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. He then completed a shoulder/elbow and sports medicine fellowship at OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, North Carolina.

For more information on OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, please call (602) 631-3161 or visit www.aoa.md. Find out more about Arizona Orthopaedic Associates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aoaatgateway and Twitter at www.twitter.com/aoaatgateway.

Learn more about Dr. Martin on his website www.orthopedicarizona.com and follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DrSheldenMartin and Twitter at www.twitter.com/DrSheldenMartin.

About OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates:
OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates strives to improve the quality of life of our patients and their families through outstanding orthopedic care. OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic Associates is committed to excellence by pledging to provide the highest quality of orthopedic care possible. Along with the treatment of immediate or chronic problems, top-rated and board-certified orthopedic surgeons strive to integrate the doctrine of prevention in all treatment plans as a way to alleviate possible future difficulties.

Contact:
Al Stevens
OrthoArizona - Arizona Orthopaedic
690 N. Cofco Center Ct, Suite 290
Phoenix, AZ 85008
480-648-1770
[email protected]
http://www.orthopedicarizona.com