Tips for Preventing Summer Sports Injuries

When you begin your activities, warm up by stretching and slowly getting back into the game.

After being dormant throughout winter, most of us jump back into outdoor activities unprepared. With summer comes a lot of outdoor activities that may inevitably lead to summer sports injuries. The most common summer sports injuries are ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder sprains. Ligament injuries; broken bones; concussions; neck or lower back strain; and heat-related illnesses are also common.

To Reduce your risk of summer sports injuries:

  • Condition your body by gradually increasing activity duration and intensity over a period of four to six weeks. Start with 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 3 days a week eventually working up to 45 minutes, four to five days a week.
  • Activities such as jogging, indoor strengthening, and indoor cycling or spinning are all great ways to prepare for summer activities.
  • When you begin your activities, warm up by stretching and slowly getting back into the game.
  • Be sure to stay hydrated by replenishing before, during and
after activity. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink.
  • Wear light colored clothing that is well ventilated and loose fitting to prevent your body from overheating.
  • If you suffer from a sports-related injury, be sure to consult
 with your sports medicine physician about potential 
treatment options.
Kinjal B. Sohagia, M.D.: Dr. Sohagia completed his medical degree and internship in Ahmedabad, India before moving to the United States for the remainder of his training. He completed his residency at the Institute for Family Health, where he also provided medical coverage for numerous athletic events, including the New York City Marathon. During his fellowship training at the University of Utah, Dr. Sohagia continued to provide medical care for acute sports and orthopaedic injuries at various ski and athletic events, while training extensively in spinal procedures and other techniques for nonoperative treatment of back pain.