Spring is here and it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather! With the warmer temperatures comes an increased risk of injury. While it is important to enjoy the outdoors and be active, you should be aware of the potential hazards and how to prevent them. Spring injuries to be aware of include sprains, bike accidents and sunburns. Whether you’re out running, biking, or playing sports, it is important to warm up, stretch, and use the correct safety equipment to reduce your risk of injury.

Sprains

One of the most common spring injuries is a sprained ankle. This can happen when you land on an uneven surface or twist your ankle while running or jumping. Sprains are tears in the ligaments that support joints. Sprains are a common injury, especially in sports where players change directions quickly, like soccer and basketball. When you change directions quickly, your ligaments are unable to keep your joints stable, causing them to sprain. To reduce your risk of sprains, warm up before you exercise

Strains

Stresses, overuse, and repetitive motion can lead to strains. This is why it’s important to take some rest days from your usual exercises and activities. A break will help reduce your risk of strains and allow your muscles, joints, and tendons time to rest and heal. If you are experiencing a strain, stop exercising and rest.

Sunburn

As the weather warms up, many people spend more time outdoors without proper sun protection. Sunburn can be painful and can even increase the risk of skin cancer. To prevent sunburn, wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30, cover up with clothing, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Allergies

Springtime is known for allergies, as pollen counts increase and flowers begin to bloom. Although allergies are not injuries per se, the sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes that accompany it can become painful.

Blisters

As people start wearing sandals and open-toed shoes, blisters become more common. These painful skin irritations can be caused by friction between the foot and shoe. We recommend wearing properly fitting shoes and socks that wick away moisture.

Bike Accidents

As more people take their bikes out of storage and hit the road, bike accidents become prevalent. Not wearing a helmet, not abiding by traffic rules and keeping your bike poorly maintained can increase your risk for a bike accident.

Gardening Injuries

Gardening can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but for novices, especially, it can lead to injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and back pain. It’s best to wear gloves, use proper tools, and take breaks when needed.

When it comes to reducing your risk of injury, it’s important to be proactive, not reactive! Indeed, it’s best to prevent injuries from happening in the first place. Follow these guidelines to avoid injuries:

• Wear the right shoes for your sport
• Make sure that you’re stretching before and after exercise
• Stay hydrated
• Maintain proper form
• Wear protective gear

Spring is a great time of year to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, but it’s important to be aware of the potential springtime injuries that can occur. By taking steps to prevent these injuries, you can ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable spring season.