Dr. Kyle Nappo is an orthopedic surgery and sports medicine specialist at EmergeOrtho-Triangle Region. He offers North Carolina patients specialized and comprehensive treatment solutions for a range of sports injuries. He has special expertise in treating shoulder instability, rotator cuff tears, ACL injuries, knee cartilage injuries, and arthritis in the shoulder, knee, or hip.
When Do I Need a Sports Medicine Surgeon?
Dr. Nappo is both a sports medicine specialist and a sports orthopedic surgeon, but that does not mean he always recommends surgery. A common misconception is that by going to see a sports medicine physician, you are going to have surgery. Dr. Nappo evaluates all his patients as individuals with unique needs, goals, and limitations.
Surgery is not always the best treatment option for every patient, but if you have a sports injury, seeing a specialist is a must. A minor injury might heal with rest and other home care, but if an injury is more severe or persists and keeps you from being active, you need a sports medicine specialist.
Another misconception is that only serious or professional athletes need to see specialists. Sports medicine physicians care for athletes at all levels, from children participating in sports to adults just trying to be more active on the weekends to college and professional athletes.
A sports medicine specialist can provide more focused care for the types of injuries you suffer when active as compared to another type of physician. They have special expertise and experience with athletes and are skilled at identifying injuries and carrying out the best treatments for the speediest recovery times.
What Does a Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon Treat?
Sports medicine specialists treat a wide range of injuries and conditions associated with sports and being active:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Overuse injuries
- Tendinitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint injuries
- Cartilage injuries
An orthopedic surgeon in sports medicine typically treats all types of conditions but might have special expertise in specific types of injuries or procedures. Dr. Nappo has special training in:
- Shoulder Instability. A dislocated shoulder causes significant pain and disability, and it can result from a direct blow or fall during sports. Repeated instability in the joint can lead to lasting damage. Dr. Nappo was part of a multicenter trial investigating optimal shoulder instability treatments during his time at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune.
- Rotator Cuff Tears. Injuries that damage tendons in the shoulder often require surgery to restore mobility and relieve pain.
- ACL Injuries. The anterior cruciate ligament is a common site of injury in the knee. Contact, rapid direction changes, and landing jumps badly are common sports-related causes of this painful and debilitating injury. Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery may be necessary to repair it.
- Knee Cartilage Injuries. Another common knee injury in athletes is damage to the meniscus, cartilage situated on the inside and outside of each knee joint. Dr. Nappo specializes in fixing these injuries.
- Arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs naturally with aging, but the process can be accelerated in athletes, very active people, and those who have suffered joint injuries. Treatment for painful arthritis in the shoulder, hip, or knee includes medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
Why Choose EmergeOrtho and Dr. Nappo?
EmergeOrtho-Triangle Region physicians are specialists in their field, are board-certified, and in many cases, fellowship-trained. Dr. Nappo completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he won an award for the most outstanding resident.
Dr. Nappo is an excellent example of the kinds of professionals who make up the team at EmergeOrtho. Our physicians put their expertise to use helping patients throughout North Carolina.
They put patients at the center of their practice, developing unique, individualized treatment plans that do not necessarily include surgery. Our physicians provide comprehensive care alongside physical therapists, pain management specialists, and others. When surgery is necessary, they offer innovative procedures using the latest technologies for better outcomes and faster recovery times.
Whether or not surgery is in your future, Dr. Nappo can create a treatment plan that works for you. Schedule an appointment with him today or call us at (984) 279-3651 for an evaluation and to get all your questions answered.
