Non-Operative Sports Medicine

Arthritis is a general term used to describe joint pain or joint damage. It can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including degeneration that increases with age, inflammation — sometimes from an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis — or various types of infection.

At Mount Sinai Medical Center, we treat nearly all forms of arthritis. Our non-operative orthopedic physicians treat arthritis, depending upon which joint or joints are affected. Many kinds of arthritis can be effectively controlled with anti-inflammatory medications, such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen. Topical anti-inflammatory medications can also help. Our physicians also use steroid injections and physical therapy.

Achilles tendon

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and is crucial for walking, running, and jumping. Injuries can range from inflammation (tendinitis) to a complete rupture. Non-operative treatments at Mount Sinai may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE); physical therapy; and medications for pain and inflammation. Severe cases may require surgical evaluation.

Acromioclavicular joint injuries

The acromioclavicular joint, or AC joint, is one of four joints in the shoulder. It connects the clavicle (collarbone) to another smaller bone in the shoulder called the scapula. These bones can become dislocated from the joint, so they do not fit together properly. This kind of injury can be extremely painful, and it creates a visible deformity. Mount Sinai’s non-operative orthopedic physicians can often treat AC injuries without surgery.

Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

Patients with a frozen shoulder have difficulty moving their shoulder. The condition can be caused by a shoulder injury, an infection, or inflammation. Mount Sinai’s non-operative orthopedic physicians can often help patients suffering from frozen shoulder with steroid injections and physical therapy.

Ankle injuries

This type of injury often occurs due to twisting, rolling, or experiencing sudden impact, which leads to sprains, fractures, or tendon injuries. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. At Mount Sinai, our non-operative orthopedic physicians typically treat ankle injuries with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE); bracing; and physical therapy. In some cases, medication for pain and inflammation may also be prescribed. Severe injuries may require a referral for surgical evaluation.

Bicep tendon injuries

Just like all muscles, your bicep connects to bones with tendons. These tendons can tear from an injury, like lifting a heavy object, or they can become inflamed or swollen from overuse. The bicep tendons at the shoulder are called proximal, and the tendons that connect the bicep to the elbow are called distal. Proximal bicep injuries cause pain at the front of the shoulder, while distal bicep injuries can cause a sudden pop and pain. Your non-operative orthopedic physician at Mount Sinai may prescribe rest and steroid injections for proximal bicep injuries. For distal biceps injuries, your Mount Sinai non-operative orthopedic physician may refer you for surgery followed by a period of rehabilitation.

Brachial plexus injuries

The brachial plexus is made up of the nerves around the neck and shoulder. Injuries to the brachial plexus can be caused by sudden pulling or stretching, known as a traction injury, or from penetrating injuries that puncture the skin. Your Mount Sinai non-operative orthopedic physician may recommend physical therapy for mild injuries. For more complex treatments, you may receive a referral for surgery.

Bursitis

Bursitis occurs when one of the sacs of fluid that cushions spaces between bones, muscles, and other tissues gets irritated and swells. The most common reason for bursitis is overuse and pressure. The pain may build up over time and often occurs in areas such as the shoulders, elbows, knees, feet, hips, and buttocks. Your Mount Sinai non-operative orthopedic physician will usually treat bursitis with pain relievers; ice and heat therapy; rest; or splints, slings, and braces.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

This condition occurs when the median nerve, a major nerve to the hand, is compressed, squeezed, or irritated. Carpal tunnel syndrome is extremely common and can cause weakness, numbness, wrist pain, or tingling. Some treatments include wearing a splint or brace and getting physical therapy. In some cases, carpal tunnel syndrome may require surgery. In these cases, your non-operative orthopedic physician will refer you to one of our Columbia-affiliated orthopedic surgeons.

Cartilage injuries

Cartilage is the flexible but firm tissue in your joints and other parts of your body, like your nose and ears. Injuries to the cartilage, such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions, are more common among young athletes and usually cause pain when they are active. Your Mount Sinai nonsurgical orthopedist can often treat a cartilage injury with a brace or cast, but surgery may be required when the injury is unstable.

Cartilage injury/labrum tear

The cartilage in the joints, such as the labrum in the shoulder or hip, can be torn through trauma or overuse, leading to pain, instability, and reduced range of motion. Mount Sinai’s non-operative orthopedic physicians may recommend rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. 

Collarbone/clavicle injuries

The clavicle, or collarbone, connects the arm to the body and can be fractured or dislocated due to trauma. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the arm. Non-operative treatments at Mount Sinai may include immobilization with a sling or brace, pain management, and physical therapy. 

Cubital tunnel syndrome

This condition occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inside of the elbow, becomes compressed or irritated. This compression can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the forearm and hand, particularly in the ring and little fingers. Non-operative treatments at Mount Sinai may include elbow bracing or splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerve.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

This condition develops when the tendons that connect muscle to the wrist bones become inflamed. It’s especially common among new mothers. Our non-operative orthopedic physicians recommend using a brace. In some instances, we inject steroids into the affected areas. Persistent symptoms can be fully resolved with surgery.

Distal radius fractures

Fractures at the end of the radius bone near the wrist, known as distal radius fractures, are common, particularly from falls. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and the appearance of a bent or twisted wrist. Mount Sinai’s non-operative orthopedic physicians may treat distal radius fractures with casting or splinting, accompanied by or along with physical therapy to restore function. Severe fractures may require surgical intervention.

Extensor tendon injuries

The tendons that connect the extensor muscles on the back of the hand, wrist, and fingers can be injured in a fall or other traumatic event. Depending upon the severity of the injury, your Mount Sinai non-operative orthopedic physician will determine if the injury can be treated with a splint or brace, or whether it requires surgical intervention.

Finger injuries

Finger injuries can range from fractures and dislocations to ligament and tendon injuries. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the finger. Non-operative treatments at Mount Sinai may include splinting and bracing, as well as medications for pain and inflammation. Our team may also recommend physical therapy to assist in range of motion. Severe injuries may require surgical consultation.

Foot injuries

These conditions can result from trauma, overuse, or underlying medical conditions affecting bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscles. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. Common foot injuries include fractures, sprains, and plantar fasciitis. At Mount Sinai, our non-operative orthopedic physicians will assess your injury and recommend a treatment plan consisting of RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), bracing, orthotic devices, physical therapy, and pain relief medications. Severe or complex injuries might require surgical consultation.

Fractures

A fracture, whether partial or complete, refers to a break in the bone and can result from trauma, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the affected area. At Mount Sinai, our non-operative sports medicine team can help immobilize fractures to ensure the best possible outcomes using treatments such as a cast, splint, brace, or boot. Our team may also recommend physical therapy to preserve range of motion. 

Ganglion cysts

These noncancerous lumps commonly develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands. Ganglion cysts can compress a nerve, resulting in pain. Treatment options at Mount Sinai may include observation, immobilization, and aspiration. In some cases, patients receive a referral for surgical consultation.

Hand injuries

Hand injuries encompass a range of conditions affecting bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, often caused by trauma, overuse, or repetitive stress. Common hand injuries include fractures, tendon injuries, and ligament sprains. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function. At Mount Sinai, our non-operative orthopedic physicians will evaluate your hand injury and may recommend treatments such as splinting, bracing, physical therapy, and medications for pain and inflammation. In some cases, our experts may recommend a surgical consultation with Mount Sinai’s Columbia-affiliated orthopedic team.

Hip injuries

Hip injuries can result from falls, overuse, or underlying conditions such as arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the hip. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may include rest, physical therapy, and medications for pain and inflammation. 

Knee injuries

Knee injuries can affect the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones within the knee joint. Symptoms include pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty walking. Mount Sinai’s non-operative orthopedic physicians may recommend bracing, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, weight management, and assistive devices.

Ligament injuries

Ligaments connect bones to other bones and can occur anywhere in the body. When a ligament stretches too far or tears, the joint will become painful and swell. Your non-operative orthopedic physician can determine if you have a ligament injury and, if so, will prescribe medication, rest, and physical therapy. 

Mallet finger

A jammed fingertip, where the bones of the finger get pushed together, can usually be treated with a splint to hold the finger still for several days.

Meniscus tears

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint. Tears can occur from trauma or degenerative changes. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. Treatments may include bracing, physical therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and activity modification.

Mild fractures

At Mount Sinai, our non-operative orthopedic physicians can treat partial breaks or cracks in bones. Treatments may include casting or bracing, along with physical therapy to help you with healing and restoring function. More complex cases may require a referral to our orthopedic surgeons.

Muscle strains

Our non-operative orthopedic physicians at Mount Sinai can effectively manage muscle strains, which typically occur when muscles are overstretched or torn, often from overuse or sudden movements. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected muscle areas. Our team may recommend RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and physical therapy to strengthen the affected muscle and improve flexibility.

Nerve injuries

Nerve injuries can result from trauma, compression, or underlying medical conditions and may lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. For our patients with nerve pain, we recommend pain relievers, gentle exercise, physical therapy, ice and heat, and/or massage. 

Osteoarthritis

This degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling. Our patients often benefit from strengthening exercises, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and injections near the affected areas. Our team may recommend platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which uses a patient’s blood to help reduce joint stiffness and inflammation, repair damaged tissue, and improve function.

Patellar injuries

The patella, or kneecap, can be injured from trauma or overuse, leading to conditions such as patellar tendinitis or dislocation. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. Our team at Mount Sinai may recommend medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bracing, injections, rest and elevation, ice, physical therapy, or a cast or splint. 

Peripheral nerve injuries and compression

We use the term “peripheral nerve” to talk about nerves in the extremities, hands, and legs. These kinds of injuries include conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome. While they can be caused by falls or other trauma, they are more often caused by chronic compression or pressing on the nerves. These conditions can cause numbness or tingling during the night. At Mount Sinai, our multidisciplinary team can use specialized nerve tests to diagnose these conditions and then, depending upon the diagnosis, we use braces at night. More severe symptoms may require injection or even minimally invasive surgery to free up the nerve and prevent permanent nerve damage.

Plantar fasciitis

This condition is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially in the morning, as well as aching or burning in the bottom of the foot. Our team may recommend icing and stretching, and avoiding activities that may irritate the area. Additional therapies may include physical therapy, splints, a walking boot, and special injections for temporary pain relief. 

Rotator cuff tears

Tendons connect muscle to bones and in the case of a rotator cuff, some or all of the tendons that stabilize and move the shoulder can tear. Our non-operative orthopedic physicians may prescribe physical therapy for small tears. For larger tears, or when all the tendons are torn, patients may require further treatment, including surgery.

Shoulder instability

An unstable shoulder can lead to a dislocation, subluxation (a partial dislocation), or feeling as if the shoulder is “slipping out of place.” At Mount Sinai, our non-operative orthopedic physicians typically treat shoulder instability with physical therapy. Severe instability may require a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.

Sprains

Sprains are often caused when ligaments, the bands of tissue that connect two bones in the joints, are stretched or torn. Moving or using the joint where the sprain occurred can be difficult, and some patients experience pain and swelling. Any joint can be sprained. But the most common are finger sprains, thumb sprains, knee sprains, wrist sprains, and ankle sprains. Our non-operative orthopedic physicians typically treat sprains with ice and heat therapy, a cast or walking boot, and physical therapy.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons, which are fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. While tendinitis can occur in any tendon, it is most common around shoulders, elbows, wrists, heels, and knees. Your Mount Sinai non-operative orthopedic physician will explain that most tendinitis can be resolved with medicine, rest, and physical therapy.

Tendon injuries

Tendons, the fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone, can be injured due to trauma, overuse, aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area. Our team may recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE); physical therapy; and medications for pain and inflammation. 

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow

These conditions affect either side of the elbow. Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis causes pain on the bony outside of the elbow. While golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis causes pain on the inside, folding part of the elbow, both conditions are caused by damage to the tendons that connect the muscle to the bone. These conditions can result from overuse, small tears in the tendon, or an injury — and both conditions can cause mild to extreme pain and can make lifting and gripping difficult. Most patients tend to get better over a period of months. In some instances, our Mount Sinai non-operative orthopedic physicians will recommend physical therapy or injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

TFCC injury

TFCC stands for triangular fibrocartilage complex and is part of the wrist. TFCC injuries are usually caused by sports or overuse. Some injuries will get better by using braces, physical therapy, and steroid injections. Injuries that cause instability or loss of motion may need arthroscopic wrist surgery. In these cases, our non-operative sports medicine team will refer you to our Columbia-affiliated orthopedic surgery team. 

Torn tendons

A tendon tear is a tear in the tissue in and around the soft tissues that connect muscles and bones. These tears can cause pain and swelling. While many torn tendons can improve on their own, complete recovery takes time. Our team at Mount Sinai’s non-operative sports medicine program may recommend bracing, casting, taping, rest, injections, and/or physical therapy to help tendons heal. 

Trigger finger

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when the tendons in the finger become inflamed. This condition is often painful and can affect the ability to straighten the finger. Mount Sinai’s non-operative orthopedic physicians may treat this condition with splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections.

Trigger thumb

Similar to trigger finger, trigger thumb occurs when the tendons in the thumb become inflamed, leading to stiffness, soreness, or the sensation of the thumb popping or clicking with movement. This condition can be painful and interfere with daily activities. Treatment at Mount Sinai includes splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections.