Common Summer Sports Injuries

Summer is the perfect season for playing sports and partaking in physical activities, especially outdoor ones. You can enjoy playing in the park, exercising on the beach, climbing mountains, hitting the road, or joining summer leagues. With this, summertime also brings an increased risk of injuries. You are more prone to encounter accidents as you spend more time outside. Be prepared this season by learning about common summer sports injuries.

Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries occur due to performing repetitive actions without giving your body time to rest. Often, the shoulder is the most vulnerable body part for overuse injuries. You can sustain a shoulder overuse injury when playing baseball or swimming, especially if you play long rounds without resting.

It can also occur if you immediately increase the intensity of your routine or jump into physical activities without conditioning yourself. Children and teens have an increased risk of this type of injury as their bones are still developing.

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common summer sports injuries. You can sustain this injury from even the simplest activities. It can happen anytime and anywhere, whether you’re on even or uneven surface. While most ankle sprains can be treated at home with ice and elevation, if you have intolerable pain or there is a deformity present, you will most likely need to undergo an X-ray and consult with a doctor.

Back and Extremity Injuries

Injuries in the back and extremities are typical for a lot of sports and repetitive activities. Those who participate in sports involving continuous arching of the back, such as swimming or biking, are most at risk. Cycling on rocky and uneven roadways can cause fractures, sprains, and strains. Moreover, knee pain is common for those who don’t undergo conditioning before going on long rides.

When left untreated, back injuries can lead to chronic conditions. Meanwhile, clavicle fractures may occur when you often participate in water activities. If you sustain such injuries, don’t ignore the pain and seek immediate medical attention before the condition becomes worse.

Eye Injuries

Eye injuries are also one of the most common summer sports injuries. Many summer sports don’t require you to wear protective face equipment. As such, it is more likely for you to sustain eye injuries from direct hits, sun exposure, and flying debris. Depending on the cause, the condition can range from mild to severe damage that may need urgent care.

Treating Sports Injuries in Little Rock, Arkansas

While summertime is the perfect season to get active, it is essential to take preventive measures. Always warm up first before performing any activities. If you think you may need medical attention from a summer sports injury, don’t hesitate to contact your medical provider.

At Bowen Hefley Orthopedics, our team can help address your needs. Headed by board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Hefley, we can treat your musculoskeletal concerns, including common summer sports injuries. We also provide state-of-the-art service for patients who need physical therapy.

For inquiries or to schedule a consultation, call us at (800) 336-2412. You can also schedule an appointment through our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to seeing you soon!