Fall Sports Are Back: How to Prevent Injuries as Student Athletes Return to the Field

Fall in South Georgia means game nights under the lights, cheerleaders flipping on the sidelines, and long practices after school. However, with all the excitement comes one considerable risk: injuries. That's why now is the perfect time to focus on injury prevention, before the fall sports season is in full swing. 

"We love seeing kids back in the game, but it's important they return in a smart, safe way," says Nicholas S. Richardson, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Archbold. "The best offense is a good defense. And in this case, that means preventing injuries before they happen."

The Most Common Fall Sports Injuries

From football and cheerleading to cross county and volleyball, fall sports come with their fair share of physical demands—and some injuries tend to show up more than others. 

Here are the ones we see most often: 

• Twisted or sprained ankles
• Knee ligament injuries, including ACL tears
• Pulled muscles or strains
• Concussions and head injuries
• Shin splints and stress fractures
• Shoulder injuries from overuse or dislocation (especially in throwing or overhead sports)

"Many of these injuries happen during non-contact moments—like pivoting too quickly or overtraining," says Dr. Richardson. "Teaching proper techniques and gradually increasing intensity are key steps in prevention."

The Risk of Doing Too Much, Too Soon

The start of the season brings excitement and often, intense training schedules. However, pushing too hard too early can lead to fatigue and overuse injuries, especially in younger athletes whose bodies are still developing. 

"We see a lot of overuse injuries in the first few weeks of the season," says Dr. Richardson. "When kids go from being relatively inactive over the summer to practicing five days a week, their muscles and joints don't always keep up. That's when trouble starts."

Encourage athletes to ease back into activity and allow time for the body to adapt. Building strength and endurance gradually can help prevent inflammation, stress fractures, and long-term joint problems.

Sleep and Nutrition: The Overlooked Injury Prevention Tools

When it comes to staying healthy on the field, sleep and nutrition matter just as much as practice. 

"Athletes who aren't getting enough rest or fuel are more likely to get injured," explains Dr. Richardson. "Muscles don't recover without sleep, and without the right nutrients, they don't perform at their best either."

Dr. Richardson recommends that student athletes follow these basic tips for sleep and nutrition:

• Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables
• Stay hydrated, especially during hot South Georgia afternoons
• Avoid energy drinks or skipping meals before practice or games

Injury Prevention Starts with Preparation

You don't have to be a pro athlete to benefit from smart training strategies. In fact, these simple steps can make a big difference for athletes of all ages:

• Warm up before every practice or game. This prepares muscles and joints for activity and reduces strain. 
• Don't skip strength training. A strong core and balanced muscles groups project joints and improve control. 
• Stay hydrated and eat well. Remember, fueling properly helps maintain energy levels and allows muscles to work efficiently. 
• Listen to your body. Soreness is normal—but sharp pain, swelling, or limping should be taken seriously. 

"Parents and coaches should encourage rest days and monitor for signs of overuse," Dr. Richardson emphasizes. "Sometimes, taking a short break prevents a much longer recovery down the road."

Know When to Seek Medical Attention

Even with excellent conditioning and proper technique, injuries can still occur. That's why it's important for parents, coaches, and athletes to recognize when a minor issue might be something more serious. 

Don't delay medical care if your child experiences:

• Persistent pain that doesn't improve with rest or ice
• Swelling that lasts more than a couple of days
• Instability or a feeling that the joint is "giving out"
• Difficulty putting weight on the affected limb
• Visible deformities, bruising, or limited range of motion
• Repeated injuries to the same area

"These symptoms are signals from the body that something's not right," says Dr. Richardson. "The sooner we can assess the injury, the sooner we can treat it and prevent it from becoming a long-term problem."

Prompt evaluation by an orthopedic specialist can lead to faster healing and a safer return to play. At Archbold, our sports medicine team is trained to diagnose and treat athletic injuries in student athletes. Fortunately, for many student-athletes in our region, that treatment begins the moment an injury occurs—thanks to the dedicated presence of athletic trainers on the sidelines. 

Archbold provides sports medicine support and licensed athletic trainers for several local schools, ensuring care begins immediately when an injury occurs. 

"Our athletic trainers are a trusted part of the team," says Dr. Richardson. "They know the athletes, they know the coaches, and they can recognize when something's not right, sometimes even if the athlete doesn't say anything."

Keeping Student Athletes in the Game—Safely

At Archbold, we understand that sports are more than just competition—they build confidence, discipline, and lifelong memories. That's why we're proud to support student athletes across South Georgia with expert orthopedic care, dedicated athletic trainers, and a team committed to injury prevention and recovery. 

"Quick access to care makes a big difference for young athletes, especially during a busy sports season," adds Dr. Richardson. "Our goal is always to protect their health without keeping them off the field any longer than necessary."

If your child is dealing with an injury or showing signs of strain, don't wait. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment early can make all the difference in their recovery. 

To schedule an appointment with Archbold Orthopedics, call 229.228.2000 or visit archbold.org/orthopedics.