How to Avoid Common Summer Injuries

School is almost out and temperatures are going up. It’s safe to say summer is practically here!

Of course, we recommend getting outside and staying active throughout the summer months. However, summer often increases the risk of common injuries. This risk is especially high for those participating in summer sports activities – but anyone can suffer from an injury if they are not taking the proper precautions.

Here are a few of our tips for staying safe and healthy this summer:

You should always stretch and warm-up before activities.
Even if you are just headed outside for a quick jog, make sure you are doing a combination of dynamic warm-ups before. Getting warm and stretched will help you avoid stress on your joints and muscle strains.

Wear the proper shoes.
Having a great pair of shoes is key to protecting your feet and knees. Make sure your shoes are not too old; overused shoes don’t provide proper support. Try to replace your shoes every 300-500 miles they have been used. Your shoes should also be the right size for your foot. If they feel too tight or loose, go up or down a half size. This could help you avoid knee/hip problems, plantar fasciitis, and other injuries.

Stay hydrated.
With hot weather, your body needs even more water than you think! Not getting enough water while practicing sports outside could lead to scary problems, such as heat stroke. Make sure you’re taking sips of your water regularly. And when we say water, we mean water! Sports drinks are tasty, but they are loaded with sugar.

Wear a helmet.
We know…it’s such a “Mom thing” to say, but your Mom knows what she’s talking about. Going on a relaxing bike ride is a summertime favorite, but one nasty fall could cause some serious head injuries. Make sure you wear a helmet when riding bikes, skateboards, or anything else on wheels!

Apply sunscreen.
Sunburns will sneak up on you when you least expect it. Make sure you apply a good amount of sunscreen before heading outside for the day. Don’t forget the commonly overlooked spots: your ears, the back of your neck, and the tops of your feet.

Wear a life jacket.
Unfortunately, drowning incidents are far too common in the summertime. Water is a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous. Always wear a life jacket when you’re headed for a day on the water, such as floating the river. Parents – this applies to you, too! Set a good example for your children by also wearing your life jacket during water activities.

Stay safe out there, everyone!

Authored by EndurancePT