Sports Medicine Specialist

Jason Leonard, MD, FAAFP, DABOM

Board-Certified Family Practice Physician & Board-Certified Obesity Medicine Specialist located in Sumter, SC & Columbia, SC

Dedicated athletes and weekend warriors alike are at risk for injury. Sports medicine care centers on restoring function after you suffer an injury from physical activity, whether you hurt yourself playing sports or not. Jason Leonard, MD, FAAFP, DABOM, sees people of all ages who have suffered sprains, strains, and other common musculoskeletal injuries. His convenient office locations in Columbia and Sumter, South Carolina, offer flexible scheduling so you don’t have to wait weeks for an appointment. Call the location nearest you or schedule online today.

Sports Medicine Q & A

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine is a medical specialty focused on treating injury to restore function. While athletes get regular sports medicine care, it’s not just for professionals. People of all ages, from children to adults, can benefit from sports medicine.

Sports medicine centers around treating musculoskeletal injuries to help you get back to your normal activities, while at the same time reducing your risk of future injury. Depending on your injury, Dr. Leonard may prescribe rest or medication, along with physical therapy or rehabilitation to restore strength.

When do I need sports medicine care?

Musculoskeletal injuries include injuries affecting muscles, tendons, and bones in the body. They’re common while playing sports, but anything from a physically demanding job or even a household chore can trigger an injury.

Sports medicine could be right for you if you get injured while you’re being active. Children, teens, and adults who play sports or participate in physical fitness activities are likely to need sports medicine care at one time or another.

Consider scheduling a sports medicine appointment if you or a family member suffered an injury and experiences:

Inability to bear weight on the area
Severe pain, swelling, or numbness
Flare-up of an old injury
Joint weakness

If you’re an active individual, you could benefit from sports medicine care even if you aren’t injured. Dr. Leonard can recommend strategies for preventing injury and staying active, whether you’re a young adult, a senior, or anywhere in between.

What can I expect at my sports medicine appointment?

Dr. Leonard performs a physical exam and in-office diagnostic testing to evaluate your injury. The on-site testing that’s available includes X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, and MRI. Depending on your results, he recommends a treatment plan to restore function and mobility.

Some musculoskeletal injuries just need rest, ice, and at-home care to heal. Others may require more advanced care. For severe sprains, fractures, and more, schedule a same-day urgent care appointment.

Seeing a physician with sports medicine training might mean you can get back to your normal activities sooner, and Dr. Leonard can provide strategies to reduce your risk of suffering another injury in the future.

Don’t let an injury keep you on the sidelines. Schedule your first sports medicine appointment with Dr. Leonard online or over the phone.

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