Summer Sports Injuries
By: Kastle Waserman
WITH SUMMER HEATING UP, more people are dusting off sports equipment and heading outdoors. But more movement may also increase the risk of injury if you don’t take proper precautions. Samuel R. Huntley, M.D., MPH, at Orthopedic Centers of Colorado, says he often sees overuse injuries among people who have started activities they haven’t done in months. “In the shoulder, we see a lot of rotator cuff tendonitis, rotator cuff impingement, which is pain generally on the side and top of the shoulder that gets worse with overhead activities.” Other injuries include small meniscal injuries, patellofemoral pain syndrome, tendonitis of various tendons, including the patellar tendon or the quadriceps tendon in the knee, and inflammation of the bursa, common in golf and tennis. Pickleball, a popular sport that combines elements of tennis and ping-pong, is also keeping doctors busy with injuries. “The most common things I see with pickleball are shoulder injuries,” Huntley says. “Most are overuse injuries because there are a lot of overhead slams. We also see elbow and wrist tendonitis.” Dr. Nicholas Stockwell, DO at AdventHealth Castle Rock Orthopedics and Spine, says the most common injuries he sees come from hiking. “Hiking can lead to a flare-up or exacerbation of a chronic problem, such as arthritis in the joints. People can take a misstep and twist their ankle or knee, or have a fall, which can lead to significant injuries,” he says.
WHEN TO SEEK A DOCTOR
If you start feeling pain or prolonged soreness, you may wonder if it’s time to seek professional help. Both doctors stressed that an examination should not be delayed. “Most people try the home RICE method: rest, ice, compression, elevation. But if pain persists beyond three days, it’s time to come in for an evaluation,” Huntley says. “Be aware of sharp, persistent pain; instability in the knee, ankle, or shoulder; pain affecting sleep; or being unable to perform daily activities.”
Most people dread going to a doctor, so it’s common for patients to wait. But Stockwell says any pain lasting past two to three months should be evaluated. “Delaying treatment can keep the injury inflamed and prevent proper recovery. In some cases, such as a tear, waiting too long, such as years, can make the situation irreparable, and we might be looking at replacement surgery.”
PREVENTION
One way to avoid visiting the doctor is to take preventive measures. Huntley says doing a 10- to 15-minute warm-up and stretching before any athletic activity is paramount. Older individuals may need longer warm-ups as tendons and joints become tighter with age. Also, check that your gear is in top shape.
“Appropriate, sport-specific footwear is extremely important,” Huntley says. “That’s the basis of stability. It’s how we contact the ground and what gives us the stability we need to do these sports.”
Other tips include staying hydrated with electrolyte drinks, taking rests, and getting in the shade when needed to avoid heat exhaustion.
Stockwell adds that ramping up activity can also prevent injury. “Try walking on the treadmill or around your block for five minutes a day, then increase that slowly so your body can get accustomed to moving again,” he says. “You need to let your body, muscles, and nervous system adapt. Pick a goal and don’t get discouraged if you’re not there right away.”
Both agree that listening to your body is most important for preventing and treating injuries and for having a happy, safe, and active summer.
ORTHOPEDIC CENTERS OF COLORADO
10535 Park Meadows Blvd., #301
Lone Tree
303.662.8250
occ-ortho.com
ADVENTHEALTH CASTLE ROCK ORTHOPEDICS AND SPINE
2360 Meadows Blvd., #200
Castle Rock
720.455.3775
adventhealth.com
