Avoid These Common Summer Sports Injuries (And What To Do If They Happen)

South Georgia summers are all about getting outside - from pickleball matches and golf rounds to early morning runs and evenings on the tennis court. While staying active is great for your health, it can also increase your risk of common sports injuries, especially if you're jumping into new activities or overdoing it in the heat. 

"Many injuries we see this time of year are preventable," says Nicholas Richardson, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Archbold Orthopedics in Thomasville, Georgia. "Unfortunately, people often push through pain or try to treat injuries at home when they really need professional medical care."

Let's break down some of the most common summer sports injuries and what to do if one happens to you. 

Sprains and Strains: What's the Difference?

Sprains and strains are some of the most common injuries Dr. Richardson treats, especially in athletes of all ages. 

• What's a Sprain? A sprain happens when a ligament (the tissue that connects bones) gets stretched or torn, most commonly in the ankle or wrist. 
   
• What's a Strain? A strain happens when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn, often in the back, hamstring, or shoulder. 

"Ankle sprains are incredibly common in the summer, especially with uneven terrain or new sports like pickleball," says Dr. Richardson. "But it's important to remember that not all sprains are minor. Some need medical attention to heal properly."

Signs You Should See an Orthopedic Specialist: 

• Swelling that doesn't improve in 48 hours
• Bruising around the joint or muscle
• Inability to put weight on the area
• Pain that limits your movement

Pickleball and Tennis Injuries: More Than Just Sore Muscles

Pickleball has exploded in popularity across South Georgia, but with it comes a rise in overuse injuries like tennis elbow (yes, even in pickleball!). 

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) happens when repetitive motions inflame the tendons around your elbow, causing pain, stiffness, and weakness in your arm. 

"We're seeing more and more pickleball players with tennis elbow or shoulder injuries," says Dr. Richardson. "These are repetitive use injuries that develop slowly, and they usually won't go away with rest and proper treatment."

Treatment May Include:

• Ice and anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
• Bracing and taping
• Steroid injections (in some cases)

Shoulder Injuries: Don't Shake Off the Pain

Summer sports like swimming, baseball, and even yard work can take a toll on your shoulders, leading to rotator cuff injuries, impingement, or bursitis. 

"Your shoulder is one of the most mobile joins in the body, but that makes it vulnerable to injury," explains Dr. Richardson. "If you have shoulder pain affecting your sleep or daily activities, it's time to get it checked out by a professional." 

How to Prevent Summer Sports Injuries

While not every injury is avoidable, there's a lot you can do to stay safer while staying active. Whether you're hitting the tennis court, trying out pickleball, or getting back into your summer workout routine, a few smart habits can go a long way. 

According to Dr. Richardson, the following tips can help reduce your risk of injury, keep your joints healthy, and make sure minor aches don't turn into major setbacks. 

Warm Up First

"Jumping straight into intense activity is one of the quickest ways to get hurt," says Dr. Richardson. Spend 5-10 minutes warming up and stretching. 

Start Slow

Whether you're new to pickleball or getting back into running, ease into new activities gradually. 

Hydrate and Rest

Fatigue and dehydration increase your risk of injury. Drink plenty of water and listen to your body when it needs a break. 

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist at Archbold

Not sure if your injury needs medical attention? You're not alone. Many people try to tough it out, hoping the pain or swelling will go away on its own. The problem with this approach is that when you ignore the signs, it can lead to longer recovery times or more serious damage. If something doesn't feel right, it's always better to get it checked our sooner rather than later. 

Here are a few red flags that indicate it's time to see an orthopedic specialist: 

• Pain that lasts more than a few days
• Swelling and bruising
• Limited range of motion
• Numbness or tingling
• Instability in a joint

"Early treatment makes a huge difference in how well, and how quickly, an injury heals," says Dr. Richardson. "The sooner we see you, the sooner we can help you get back to doing what you love."

Need to See an Orthopedic Specialist? 

Archbold offers expert diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for sports injuries of all kinds, right here in South Georgia. From sprains and strains to advanced joint care, our team is here to help you heal and prevent future injuries. 

To request an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Richardson at Archbold Orthopedics, please call (229) 551-8600.