Spring has finally arrived, and we bet that you or your athlete is itching to get outside. Jumping into the sports season is a cause of both celebration and concern. While it is fun to finally be able to play outside, it does come with the risk of injury. Today, we are sharing the most common issues and how to prevent spring sports injuries.
Common Spring Sports Injuries
It can be tempting to go all out as we are finally let outside after a cold, long winter tucked away. Unfortunately, that carefree, excitable attitude can often lead to injuries if one isn’t properly prepared for the sport. Most commonly, we see these spring sports injuries:
- Fractures
- Concussions
- Strains
- Sprains
- Tendonitis
- Ankle injuries
- Wrist injuries
- Broken bones
- Back pain
- Lacerations
- And more!
How to Prevent Spring Sports Injuries
1. Get a Physical Before Sports Season
If spring is your first sport of the year, especially for those still in school, it is highly recommended that all athletes get a physical. A physical will evaluate your physical health to determine if you are eligible to play and if you need to take any special precautions to prevent injury.
2. Warm-Up Before Playing
While it can be tempting to run straight onto the field to start playing, it is one of the most dangerous things you can do as an athlete. Athletes must warm up cold muscles properly before engaging in intense physical activities. We recommend warming up at least 10 to 20 minutes, including stretching time.
3. Train Consistently Throughout the Year
One mistake athletes often make is going too hard at the beginning of training after a season or even a year of rest time. It is crucial that athletes train in some capacity throughout the year to keep their physical capabilities up to par. They will likely overstrain their bodies at the beginning of the season if they don’t.
If it is time to jump into the sports season and you haven’t been training, we recommend taking it slow at the beginning. Start the season by healthily challenging your body, then increasing the intensity and duration of your training as the season progresses.
4. Always Utilize Proper Equipment
Proper safety equipment is critical in preventing spring sports injuries. Each athlete should have access to properly fitting equipment adequate for their specific sport. We don’t recommend using hand-me-downs or used equipment unless a coach has looked over it and it fits the athlete well.
5. Teach Body and Environment Awareness
Lastly, teaching your athletes awareness of their bodies and surrounding environment could prevent serious injury.
Body awareness is when the athlete recognizes when their body is fatigued, straining, or injured. Your athlete will understand when to take a break or take themselves out of the game by teaching this skill.
Environmental awareness is when the athlete is aware of what is happening in their immediate environment. By being aware of teammates, opponents, and equipment, athletes can avoid harmful collisions or getting pelted by a fastball.
First Care Medical
At First Care Medical Center, we diagnose and treat various sports injuries. We offer onsite x-rays, recovery supplies, as well as quick and convenient treatment at an affordable cost. Additionally, we can refer you to an orthopedic specialist if your condition requires continued care. To make an appointment, click HERE!
