Common Summer Sports Injuries and How to Avoid Them

photo of someone playing tennis

 

Summer is back again! As the temperatures get warmer, chances are you’re spending more time outdoors. Playing summer sports in a league or with friends and family can be tons of fun, but with increased activities also comes the increased risk for injuries. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, meaning it’s important to have a solid understanding of what risks you face and how to avoid them as you enjoy your fun in the sun.

Today, we’re exploring some of the most common summer sports injuries as well as how to avoid them. Get informed then play on!

Common Summer Sports Injuries

Summer is one of our favorite times of year because the weather is warmer and there are so many things to do outside while soaking up that excellent vitamin D. After the cooler winter months, we’re ready to get out and have some fun!

While warmer temperatures and lots of sunshine are great for outdoor games, sports, and exercise, it’s important to know how to maintain your own safety to avoid common summer sports injuries. Understanding these injuries is also key to recovering from a sports injury and getting you back on your feet in as little time as possible.

Some of the most common summer sports injuries are:

  • Muscle strains and sprains
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Elbow injuries
  • Knee injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Concussions

Muscle Strains and Sprains

Kicking off our list of common summer sports injuries are muscle strains and sprains. Being active takes a toll on the body no matter how good of shape you’re in. Muscle strain, also known as a pulled muscle, happens when the muscle is torn or overstretched beyond its natural limit. No matter your level of fitness, it’s important to be mindful of your limitations to avoid muscle strains and sprains that could keep you on the sidelines.

As with all summer sports injuries, the road to sports injury recovery means treating symptoms of muscle strain immediately to expedite how the body heals itself as well as help prevent further damage.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries make our list of the most common summer sports injuries as many summer activities involve throwing objects or being very physical. Sports like baseball, basketball, and beach volleyball can all lead to repetitive motion injuries as the same rotations and force on the body could lead to tissue or muscle damage.

Elbow Injuries

Next up on our list of the most common summer sports injuries are elbow injuries. Most commonly associated with sports like tennis and golf, elbow injuries could have you needing to sit out the back nine instead of putting for a birdie.

Like with knees, shoulders, and other joints of the body, start out activity using these areas slowly. Make sure you stretch thoroughly and don’t overdo it if you start to feel any discomfort arising as you compete.

Knee Injuries

Bringing us to another joint area of the body, knee injuries make some of the most common summer sports injuries in a variety of forms. They may be anything from dislocations or torn tendons to scrapes, bumps, and bruises. Just because you feel these summer sports injuries aren’t holding you back too much, it's imperative to treat symptoms right away to avoid further damage that could become long-term.

Broken Bones

From contact sports to simple accidents, broken bones most likely take an obvious spot on the list of common summer sports injuries. Broken bones can be especially risky if you are living with osteoporosis or other age-related diseases that may impact your bone health. Be sure to seek professional medical attention immediately for any symptoms of broken bones regardless of your age or general health.

Concussions

While you may not have considered it as one of the most common summer sports injuries, concussions round out our list as they’re more common than you may realize. Sports like cheerleading, wrestling, summer football, and other contact or highly-physical sports run the highest risks for concussions amongst athletes.

Left untreated, a concussion could lead to serious damage in the brain. The sudden impact on the head could cause symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, or memory loss. Seek medical attention immediately if you believe someone may be experiencing any symptoms of a concussion to start the sports recovery injury healing process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Avoiding Summer Sports Injuries

Understanding the risks of summer sports is the easiest way to help avoid them. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, but efficient sports injury recovery starts with taking immediate action.

For avoiding common summer sports injuries to the shoulder, elbow, or knee, make sure you’re stretching adequately before and after physical activity. Warming up is essential to ensure your muscles are loose and limber. Additionally, having a post workout recovery routine is crucial for general body repair, sports injury recovery, and avoiding potentially-painful conditions like Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).

Knowing the best recovery tools for athletes can also help with sports injury recovery or avoiding common summer sports injuries altogether. Portable massage guns are popular with many athletes as ways to relax sore muscles and keep loose after physical activity. Other tools like a luxury zero gravity chair make excellent home tools providing a plethora of potential benefits.

For example, one of the most needed zero gravity healing benefits for athletes is back pain relief. In the zero gravity position, the legs are elevated above the heart level and weight is distributed evenly along the body. This allows excess pressure to be taken off the lower back and pelvic region, stimulating better blood circulation, as well.

Some of the bonus features of zero gravity luxury recliners such as massage and heat therapy are extremely useful for avoiding common summer sports injuries. Studies have demonstrated the positive potential of massage for athletic recovery. Zero gravity chairs with heat therapy, on the other hand, may also provide pain relief from injuries like muscle strain while speeding up sports injury recovery times.

Summer has lots of different sports and activities that help make it a great time of year. Watching out for common summer sports injuries, however, will keep you ready to play all summer long! From stretching adequately before activities to making use of post workout recovery by choosing a zero gravity chair, there are lots of things you can do to avoid these injuries or speed up sports injury recovery.

As always, if you feel like you may be experiencing an injury, consult your doctor to determine a safe course of treatment before starting any new regimen. This summer, keep yourself healthy and stay in the game!

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