Treating the Most Common Summer Sports Injuries

Even though school is back in session all over the state of Georgia, summer is still going strong. In fact, now that school has started, school sports have also kicked in gear. Many families see the rate of injuries increase as summer continues because everyone is still enjoying the outdoors and later evenings when they can. Knowing how to prevent and treat injuries when they occur will help you continue doing the things you enjoy rather than sitting on the sidelines. Here are the most common summer sports injuries and what you can do for them.

Ankle Sprains

The most common injury among children and adults, ankle sprains, can occur from running long distances or turning your ankle awkwardly in a split second. The best way to prevent ankle sprains is to strengthen your ankles as much as possible. Simple exercises are available to build up the strength of your ankle joint, tendons, and ligaments. If you suffer from an ankle sprain, rest and elevate your injured ankle and use ice and compression to reduce swelling. You will also want to move your ankle as much as possible to help with blood circulation.

Runner’s Knee

The knee is one of the most common joints to be injured, which can result in immediate pain. Strains and sprains of the knee are common, especially when running or playing sports. Injuries to the ligaments, kneecap, tendons, cartilage, or other joint components can also cause pain. Most of the time, you can prevent this injury by replacing your insoles and running shoes regularly. If you experience knee pain, stop running, exercising, or sports participation for a few days and take over-the-counter pain relief medication. If your pain insists or worsens, you may want to consult with an orthopedic specialist.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are common during the summer and start of school and occur from high-intensity activities that involve throwing motions or heavy lifting. Dads often throw out their shoulders playing too hard with their children in the pool, and children and teens often injure their shoulders playing football or tennis. Whether you are going out for some recreational fun or a team sporting event, make sure you stretch correctly to avoid injury. Resting and over-the-counter pain medications can help manage pain.

Achilles Tendinitis

Along with ankle sprains, overuse of the Achilles tendon in the back of the leg can also cause pain and inflammation. Running, high-intensity sports, and stop-and-go movements are common causes of Achilles Tendinitis. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help prevent this type of sports injury. If you experience pain in the back of your lower leg, rest and elevate your injured ankle and use ice and compression to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can also help reduce pain. You will want to be cautious when resuming normal activities to avoid re-injury.

Need a Trusted Source for Summer Sports Injury Treatment?

Summer sports injuries are common, but they do not need to ruin your summer or back-to-school days. Advanced treatment and rehabilitation options are available at Medici Medical Arts. Contact our practice to stay healthy and safe.