Staying on your feet: Preventing and treating common spring injuries

Spring is here, bringing sunshine, fresh air and opportunities for outdoor fun. But as the days grow warmer and outdoor activities ramp up, so do the risks of seasonal injuries. From sprains and strains to sunburns and insect bites, your springtime fun can sometimes come with unexpected setbacks. Fortunately, a little prevention goes a long way. Knowing how to prevent and treat these common injuries can help you and your family stay safe and active all season long. And if injuries do happen, CareNow® urgent care is here to provide fast, high-quality care.

One step at a time: Sprains and strains

Spending more time outdoors often means hiking, jogging and playing sports. As fun as these activities can be, participation does increase the risk of sprains and strains. Also referred to as sports injuries, sprains and strains occur when muscles, ligaments or tendons are overstretched or torn, leading to pain and swelling. Here are some ways to reduce your chances of injury:

• Wear proper footwear with good support and traction to prevent slips and falls.
• Warm up before physical activity and stretch afterward to keep muscles flexible.
• Be mindful of uneven terrain, loose gravel or hidden tree roots that could cause a misstep.

If you experience symptoms consistent with a sprain or strain, you can begin by treating at home, following the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation as well as over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

However, if you suffer a severe sprain or strain, it's good to err on the side of caution. If you can't put any weight on the injury or have swelling and severe pain that gets worse over time, seek medical care immediately.

Ignoring a sprain can lead to long-term instability and repeated injuries, so be sure to address it if the need arises. CareNow's expert evaluation and treatment can help you get down the path of recovery quickly and effectively.

Overuse injuries: Play it safe

Jumping back into exercise too quickly can lead to overuse injuries like tendinitis and stress fractures. These conditions occur when repetitive motion strains muscles and joints over time. As you ramp up your activity in the spring, try to be mindful of these injuries.

Tendinitis occurs when  tendons get inflamed after overuse. Tendons connect muscles to bones, and when they are inflamed, may cause pain by rubbing against the bones they connect to. We have about 4000 tendons in the body. Pain in the knee, shoulder or hand may be caused by tendinitis in one of those areas.

Stress fractures generally occur over time as we overuse certain parts of our body– arms, feet and hands. Preventing stress fractures involves practicing proper technique in your movements, wearing supportive equipment and warming up. Incorporating rest is also helpful in avoiding and treating stress fractures.

If you suspect an overuse injury, CareNow urgent care's diagnostic services include X-rays, and we can also offer referrals to specialists as needed.

Sunburn and heat-related illness

Longer daytime hours also mean more sun exposure, which can lead to sunburn, heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. Sun damage accumulates over time and increases the risk of skin cancer, so taking precautions is essential. To stay safe:

• Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water before, during and after outdoor activities.
• Wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and lightweight clothing.

Insect bites and stings

Spring also brings an increase in insect populations, which means a higher risk of bites and stings. Mosquitoes, bees, wasps and ticks become more active, posing both nuisance and health risks. Reduce your exposure by:

• Using insect repellent with DEET or natural alternatives like citronella to deter bugs.
• Wearing long sleeves, pants and closed-toe shoes in wooded or grassy areas.
• Checking for ticks after spending time outdoors, especially on children and pets.

If you have concerns about sunburns, heat-related illnesses or an allergic reaction from a bite or sting, come get checked out at a CareNow urgent care clinic near you.

Why choose CareNow®

If you need convenient care after hours or on the weekend, consider visiting your local CareNow® urgent care clinic. With 225 locations throughout the country, we are ready to see you when you need it most. We offer comprehensive and accessible healthcare through our extensive clinic network, convenient Web Check-In® service, and virtual visits, making us a dependable option for your medical needs. Visit the CareNow locations webpage to find a clinic near you.