Summer Spoiler: Common Sport Injuries and How to Prevent Them

In summer, everyone gets excited about extracurricular activities. This is attributed to the competitive nature of people. While it’s great to spend time outdoors as a family, summer sports can lead to sport injuries.  

In the US, over 30 million children and teens take part in summer sports. That is basketball, baseball, softball, bicycling, football, ice hockey, skateboarding and more. While kids get to have fun with friends, more than 3.5 million injuries occur every year.   

This results in a loss of time of participation. 

In this post, we take a look at the common sports injuries and how to prevent them. 

Muscle Cramps 

In the early 1900s, muscle cramps were commonly viewed as a productivity issue. This was common among manual laborers working in hot environments. Between the 1920s and 1950s, several cases of muscle cramps were documented among foundry workers and miners. 

Today, muscle cramps are an athlete’s enemy. What you ought to know is that muscle cramps occur as a result of involuntary contraction of the muscles. This happens without warning. 

To prevent this, hydrate regularly. Experts at Urgent Care Southaven MS recommend 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women.  

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common sport injuries. Experts estimate that 10% to 30% of sports-related injuries among the youth are ankle sprains. Here is how an ankle sprain occurs. 

Excessive movement of a joint can lead to ligament injuries. As you play soccer or basketball, the ligaments around the ankle get injured when the foot rolls inward. This happens when the player steps on uneven ground or lands on another player’s foot. 

A sprain can also be as a result of a fractured bone. To prevent this, perform stretching exercise before playing soccer. This will help to make the ligaments and tendons flexible. 

Back Injuries

Over 20% of sports injuries involve an injury to the lower back. In sports, repetitive impact such as running or weight loading can cause injuries to the back. Swimming, cycling, and other repetitive tasks can also result in lower back injuries.   

If not treated immediately, the problem can worsen and turn chronic. To prevent this, warm up before playing any sports. A thorough warm-up will target hamstring, quadriceps and other muscles.   

This will help to prepare your back for the strenuous activities. If the problem persists, consult with specialists at Urgent clinics medical care.   

Concussions  

In the US, over 3.8 million concussions occur every year as a result of recreational activities and competitive sports. Problem is, over 50% of the concussions can go unreported. Concussions can occur in all sports but the highest incidences are in:  

  • Rugby  
  • Soccer  
  • Hockey  
  • Basketball  
  • Football   

Some of the symptoms of concussion include memory loss, headache, and balance problems. To prevent concussions, limit the amount of contact with other players. You should also keep an eye on the position of other athletes.   

Don’t forget to put on the appropriate sports headgear and safety equipment. It is also advisable to seek treatment at Southaven MS hospital. 

Getting the Best Medical Attention for Sport Injuries

A vast majority of sport injuries are unavoidable and inevitable. To prevent such injuries, it is wise to wear protective sports gear. Also, we recommend that you warm up thoroughly before playing.  

Remember, have fun and be safe. 

Are you in search of quality and convenient medical care? We at Getwell Urgent Care can help. Contact us today!