Common Spring Sports Injuries

Sports Injuries to Watch Out for this Spring

The weather is warming and it’s time to play ball! However, springtime sports aren’t just fun and games but can result in severe injuries for your star athlete due to lack of stretching, overuse, or accidents on the field.

Here are some injuries to be mindful of this season:

Strains & Sprains

When spring training starts, it’s common for athletes to get overuse injuries such as tennis elbow that are minor and usually subside on their own. However, one of the symptoms of overuse is the weakening of the joint.

When this occurs, athletes can become more prone to serious injuries such as strains and sprains. This type of common spring sports injury often happens because of the unnatural strain certain motions place on various joints in our bodies. Pitchers, for instance, are more likely to strain their shoulders and elbows.

Concussions

While not as prevalent in non-contact sports, concussions are still common for athletes during every season. However, spring athletes such as baseball and softball players are known to be involved in more collisions, increasing their risks of a concussion.

Broke Bones, Bone Bruises & Contusions

Baseball and softball players take a brunt of the spring injuries — as they’re more prone to back injuries as well. Collisions on the field or being struck by a ball can cause bone and muscle injuries.

With every sport, there’s a risk for a broken bone or fracture. While every broken bone should be treated, these are some signs you should visit the ER right away:

• The bone is protruding from the skin.
• You can see the bone or feel it through the skin.
• You have difficulty moving the injured limb.
• The injured area looks different than usual.
• There are other injuries accompanying the broken bone.
• You feel faint or are about to lose consciousness.
• There is bleeding around the injury.
• The injured area is numb.

Dehydration

While not a typical ‘injury’ that many athletes think of, dehydration can cause severe symptoms. If you experience difficulty breathing, fainting, or dizziness, you should see a doctor for treatment as soon as possible.

Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day — whether you’re outdoors or not. If you’re dehydrated and can’t rehydrate yourself quickly enough, or if your condition has deteriorated, you should seek medical help immediately.

Dallas Sports Injury Treatment

Whether you experience any of these injuries or another out on the track or field this spring, it’s important to know when to visit the ER and when to seek urgent care. Signs that an injury requires emergency treatment:

• A blow to the head and a possible concussion.
• Injury involved the neck area.
• A blow to the chest, pain is worsening, trouble breathing.
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing.
• Severe pain with moving a limb or joint after an injury.
• Open wound or a bone has become dislocated.