COMMON MEDICAL PROBLEMS IN SPORTS

It is difficult to attempt to include all of the possible health probl ems that befall athletes in a review article such as this. All of us a t some time fit the definition of an ''athlete.'' We must thus conside r the entire realm of health problems faced by all persons. This then becomes a description of internal medicine. Certainly, such a compendi um of medical problems has been compiled in any of a number of interna l medicine texts already published. But what are the medical problems commonly seen in athletes? To answer this question, the authors have c ombined their extensive experience in the realm of athletes from the w eekend warrior to the elite professional. The authors have depended he avily on the athletic trainers and physical therapists with whom they work daily to compile a list of medical problems not covered in other articles in this review and that are dealt with while caring for athle tes. The medical problems that we have selected occur often enough tha t a physician caring for athletes will see them during his or her care er. Patient familiarly is essential in proper medical care for the ath lete. Medical problems may be suggested by an alteration in performanc e noted by the athlete, trainer, physical therapist, or coach. Trainin g should result in an increase in performance over time. If this does not occur, there may be a medical reason for this lack of progress. '' No pain, no gain'' is not always true and may, in fact, be the single most prevalent attitude that keeps the offices of sports medicine spec ialists full. Most athletes will initially try to work through the ear ly signs and symptoms of medical problems. The weekend athlete does no t usually know his or her body well enough to assess medical issues re lating to a decrement in performance. The elite athlete often believes that he or she can ''work through it.'' A close working relationship with a health care professional to whom the athlete can turn to define contributing factors including medical problems is invaluable.