Medical Conditions in Athletes

Not all athletic health issues are related to the bones and joints. At Houston Methodist, our primary care sports medicine specialists are experienced in treating the most common medical issues affecting both casual and professional athletes of all ages.

Common Medical Conditions in Athletes

We treat athletes for a variety of common medical issues, including the following:

Asthma in Athletes

Asthma is a chronic medical problem that causes a restriction of airflow in and out of the lungs and can be easily exacerbated by exercise. Both adult and student athletes with asthma may complain of wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing, often resulting in poor performance. 

Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps 

When performing physical activities outside, especially under the hot Texas sun, many athletes develop severe, painful muscle cramps in the legs, back and abdomen. They occur mostly at the beginning of the summer and are especially common in athletes who are less accustomed to the heat. Thankfully, these cramps can be avoided with the proper training programs.

Heart Problems in Athletes 

Like any other muscle in the body, the heart can be strengthened and changed with regular exercise. These changes are usually positive, but in rare cases, exercise can be dangerous and cause serious heart problems. In young athletes, a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common heart problem our health care providers treat. However, in athletes age 35 and older, coronary artery disease is the primary heart condition we encounter.

Heat Stroke in Athletes

Excessive workouts in hot weather can cause a fatal condition known as heat stroke. Patients experiencing heat stroke lose the ability to regulate their body temperature and will often have a temperature above 106 degrees. Patients suffering from heat stroke will usually be disoriented and sweat profusely, and they will often experience nausea and vomiting.

Overtraining Syndrome 

Elite athletes may suffer from a decrease in performance due to overtraining. The extensive training required for high-level sports participation may result in changes to the brain and immune system, which we’ve dubbed "overtraining syndrome." 

An athlete may note frequent infections, chronic fatigue, depressed mood, poor sleep or decreased performance despite adequate training and nutrition. Diagnosis can be difficult, and treatment may involve prolonged rest, changes in an athlete training routine, additional medications or visits to sports injury training centers. 

Rhabdomyolysis 

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that causes severe muscle damage and is often brought on by extreme exercise. When the muscles are severely damaged, they break down and release products into the bloodstream that can damage the kidneys and liver. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated appropriately. If you develop severe muscle pains and notice dark urine after an episode of extreme athletic training, seek medical care immediately as this may be a sign of Rhabdomyolysis. 

Runner's Stitch 

Many of us have experienced a "stitch," or pain in the side, during prolonged exercise, typically running. This problem is not dangerous but can be quite painful. Runner's stitch is similar to other muscle cramps and is thought to be related to localized sodium imbalances. It can also be caused by gastrointestinal cramping. 

Conditions From Supplement Use

Substance use among athletes can pose significant risks, not only violating sports regulations but also potentially harming their health. While supplements like creatine and glucosamine may offer benefits for some, the misuse of other substances, including performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), steroids and even legal substances like caffeine and alcohol, can lead to adverse effects. Here are some dangers associated with substance use in athletes: 

• Addiction and substance abuse: Some substances, especially those that are unregulated or are misused, can lead to dependence and addiction, affecting mental health, relationships and overall well-being.
• Health risks: Substance use can lead to severe health issues, including heart problems, liver damage, hormonal imbalances and increased risk of injury. For example, anabolic steroids can cause cardiovascular diseases, liver damage and reproductive disorders.
• Long-term health consequences: Beyond the immediate risks, long-term substance use can lead to chronic health conditions, including heart disease, stroke and mental health disorders. These conditions can affect an athlete's quality of life long after their competitive career has ended.
• Performance decline: While some substances are intended to enhance performance, their long-term use can actually impair performance, lead to inconsistency in play and increase the risk of injuries due to overexertion or weakened physical condition.
• Psychological effects: Substance use can have significant psychological effects, including mood swings, aggression, depression and anxiety. These can impact not only an athlete's performance, but also their personal life and mental health.
• Regulatory and legal consequences: The use of banned substances can lead to disqualification, suspension or bans from competitions. It can also tarnish an athlete's reputation and career and, in some cases, lead to legal repercussions.
• Risk of overdose: In severe cases, the misuse of substances, especially drugs, can lead to overdose, which can be fatal or cause irreversible damage to health.

Billions of dollars are spent each year in the U.S. on products that advertise the ability to improve appearance, performance and health, with little to no scientific research to back up the claims. It takes a professional in sports nutrition and athlete mental health to help you tackle all the competing information and properly maintain your physical health.  

At Houston Methodist, our orthopedic experts help athletes diagnose and perform medical evaluations for disordered eating and energy deficiency, which can contribute to sports injuries and requires a strong team approach to treat successfully.

If you are taking a supplement or considering using supplements to improve your performance, talk to the sports medicine specialists at Houston Methodist. We can help you determine whether a supplement is right for you.

Gain Access to Professional Sports Doctors

Whatever your injury or condition, our board-certified sports medicine specialists have the expertise to get you back to peak performance. We use cutting-edge sports science to treat our patients, improving both sports performance and overall human performance.
 
Ready to get moving again? Call us at 713.790.3333 to discuss your options.