Green fields and warmer temperatures mean spring sports season is upon us. But after months of limited or indoor activity, how do you return to the game you love without injuries?
Baseball, softball, golf and soccer are popular spring sports. And while outdoor exercise is advantageous, these activities do cause many injuries each year, especially among child and teen athletes. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission & Department of Health & Human Services, in 2013:
- There were more than 380,800 baseball-related injuries;
- Approximately 303,000 softball-related injuries;
- Nearly 114,200 golf-related injuries; and,
- Approximately 231,000 soccer injuries.
Baseball/Softball
The most common baseball and softball injuries involve the soft tissues, such as muscle pulls or strains, ligament injuries (sprains), cuts, contusions and bruises. Although baseball and softball are non-contact sports, most serious injuries are due to contact – either with a ball, bat or another player. Read more baseball and softball tips.
Golf
Most golf injuries are due to overuse from repeating the same swinging motion. Leading the list of injuries is golfer’s elbow, technically known as medial epicondylitis. Golfer’s elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the inside of the bone at your elbow. Also common are lower back injuries caused by poor swing techniques. Read more tips on how to strengthen the back and forearm muscles to prevent golf injuries.
Soccer:
Sprains and strains are the most common lower extremity injuries in soccer. Cartilage tears and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprains in the knee are some of the more common injuries that may require surgery. Other injuries include fractures and contusions from direct blows to the body. Soccer players may also experience shin splints, patellar tendinitis (pain in the knee), and Achilles tendinitis (pain in the back of the ankle).
Other tips
With any outdoor sports be sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. Also, check your equipment and inspect playing surfaces for needed repairs.
