Four summer activities that often lead to injuries

The summer months are here, and that means more daylight to spend outdoors doing your favorite things. Whether you’re pulling weeds in the garden, chasing kids at the park or joining the local run club, summer can keep you active and outdoors.

However, as you spend more time outside, high temperatures and physical activities can cause stress to your body and increase your chances of injury.

Stay safe this summer by being mindful of the four most common summer injuries and understanding what type of care is right for you if a summer injury happens to you or a loved one. 

1. Outdoor chores and gardening

Lawns and gardens are in full bloom during the summer months and maintaining our yards can lead to injuries such as lower back strain, shoulder pain, or knee and wrist injuries from falls. If you experience swelling and pain for more than 24 hours and have limited mobility, visit an Ascension urgent care. If you have lingering joint pain and discomfort is persistent, it may be time to see an orthopedic specialist. 

2.  Playground and other children-friendly activities

Children can get hurt while having fun, you can also get hurt while watching or playing with them. Keeping up with your children or grandchildren when they are having fun can become dangerous if you aren’t mindful of your surroundings. Chasing a child on a playground or at the waterpark can cause falls, cuts and scrapes. You can also injure yourself while climbing through a playset or jumping on a trampoline and causing a sprain. For minor injuries, visit an Ascension urgent care center for X-rays, stitches and splinting if you notice swelling or are having difficulty using a limb.

3.  Outdoor sports and fitness 

Whether you participate solo or in a group, outdoor sports and fitness can put stress on your body. We can also experience heat exhaustion and dehydration if we aren’t mindful of the temperature or fail to stay hydrated. Be aware of sprains and strains when running or hiking, and sports play can cause sudden knee injuries and shoulder pain from quick movements. See an orthopedic specialist if a joint feels unstable, swelling and discomfort continue, and movement becomes limited. If you experience pain that won’t allow you to keep going, visit your nearest Ascension urgent care.

4.  Water activities

Spending time on the lake on a boat, tubing on the river or jet skiing in the ocean are great activities to do with family and friends, but can also cause injuries if you don’t follow safety instructions, don’t have the proper attire on or have an equipment collision. Head injuries, muscle strains, fractures and skin infections can happen while enjoying a day on the water. For mild injuries, visit an Ascension urgent care center. However, if you are experiencing numbness or tingling in your limbs, a headache, dizziness, or confusion, seek emergency care at the nearest emergency room.

When experiencing a summer injury, don’t delay care. Ignoring an injury now can lead to chronic pain later. Whether your wrist is in pain from a playground fall, your knee is swollen after a run, or your back aches after yard work, talk to a doctor. Take care of all your care needs close to home. With many options for care including orthopedic care, urgent care and ER care — you get to choose what’s right for you.