Summer is the time of year when days are best spent outdoors, engaging in different recreational activities and sports. The warm weather entices more people to participate in outdoor physical activities, such as jogging, biking, and playing team sports.
Summertime is truly the best time to enjoy the weather outside with friends and family. However, the blur of activity comes with an increased risk of injuries and accidents – especially when the body is out of shape or when the activity is too strenuous.
It is therefore essential to be aware of the potential sports injuries you may be susceptible to this summer. This way, you can take precautions in order to prevent them and promote the safety and well-being of everyone.
What Injuries Happen Most Often in Summer?
Some of the most frequently reported summertime injuries include the following:
Knee Injuries
With all of the playing football, soccer, basketball, and tennis, knee injuries are very common every summer. This is why proactively protecting the knees is essential, because injury to this joint can cause a lot of pain and immobilization – not to mention considerable time for recovery.
Overusing, overstretching, or hyperextending the knees can cause injury that will take many weeks to heal fully. Common knee injuries include a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), a torn meniscus (protective cartilage in the knee), dislocations, and tendonitis.
Sprains
A sprain can happen not only while playing summer sports, but also while you’re just out and about enjoying the warm weather. Walking and tripping on an uneven surface, or misstepping off a curb or in a stairwell, could cause a sprain just as badly as when twisting your ankle while playing beach volleyball.
A sprain occurs when a ligament – which connects a bone to another bone – is overstretched or torn. It can cause pain and swelling, but not necessarily dislocation. Sprains mostly occur in the wrist, ankle, and knee.
Strains
Like sprains, strains are very common with summer sports. Strains may happen if you participate in an intense workout or activity, or if you overwork yourself while playing a sport without a proper warm-up and prior conditioning.
A strain occurs when a tendon or a muscle is overstretched or torn. This injury most commonly affects the lower back, arms, and hamstrings (muscles in back of the lower legs). A strain may cause limited motion, weakness, and pain or tenderness.
Concussions
Summer fun often includes playing contact sports, but these can lead to concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A concussion can lead to serious damage in the brain. The sudden impact on the head may cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and memory loss.
Remember to protect your head by wearing appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet. It is vital to know your limits and to put safety as a priority.
Sports Injury Care in Clinton Township, Michigan
Prioritizing your safety this summer can help you avoid common sports injuries. Because accidents can happen even if you prepare, our team of medical experts at Movement Orthopedics are ready to diagnose and treat your injury, so you can get back in the game as quickly as possible.
If you have any questions about our practice or would like to schedule a consultation, call us today at (586) 436-3785 or book an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
