Summer brings warm weather and an increase in outdoor activity, but it also drives a sudden surge in orthopaedic injuries. From weekend sports and hiking trails to bike rides and backyard projects, increased activity can lead to back and joint pain, as well as sprains, strains and fractures.
At Orthopaedic & Spine Center, we believe that understanding why summer injuries happen is the first step in preventing them. We also know that seeking timely orthopaedic care can help prevent complications, shorten recovery time, and get you back to enjoying summer as quickly as possible.
5 Reasons Orthopaedic Injuries Increase in Summer
Warmer weather encourages us to get outside and be active, but the sudden increase in activity can place added stress on muscles, bones, joints and ligaments. In addition to higher activity levels, high heat levels can cause muscles to fatigue faster, and uneven surfaces contribute to more rolled ankles and falls.
- Higher Activity Levels – More daylight and time off from work and school mean there’s more time for biking, hiking, swimming and playing sports that can cause injuries.
- Going Too Hard Too Fast – Many people go from a sedentary lifestyle to intense workouts or weekend projects too quickly, shocking unconditioned muscles and joints.
- Heat & Dehydration – High temperatures cause rapid sweating, leading to muscle cramps and fatigue, which affects coordination, balance and strength.
- Uneven Terrain – The uneven ground on hiking trails, beaches and lawns, as well as slippery pool decks, raises the risk of ankle sprains and falls.
- Repetitive Overuse – Common summertime sports, like pickleballs, tennis, golf and swimming, require repetitive movements that can strain tendons.
To help prevent summertime injuries, increase your workout or project time gradually, always warm-up with 10 to 15 minutes of dynamic stretches before engaging in physical activity, and avoid exercising in peak heat. It’s also important to drink plenty of water and wear shoes made specifically for your activity.
When to See an Orthopedist Specialist
If an injury does happen, seeking timely orthopaedic care can often reduce your recovery time, and get you back to doing your favorite activities before summer’s end. While not every injury requires emergency treatment, certain symptoms should be evaluated by an orthopaedic specialist as soon as possible.
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Significant swelling or bruising
- Limited joint movement, instability or deformity
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain that lasts for several days
Top-Rated Orthopaedic Care in Newport News, VA
With the sudden spike in summer activity comes an increase in sprains, strains, aches and pains. Whether you’ve twisted an ankle on a hike, injured your shoulder playing pickleball, or are experiencing back pain after yard work, our top-rated orthopaedic specialists can provide you with a complete evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan.
Call Orthopaedic & Spine Center at 757-596-1900 or request an appointment with our orthopaedic specialists in Newport News, VA.