Practicing Safety Is Important as Orthopedic Injuries Rise in the Summer

What are common orthopedic injuries during the summer?

I think more injuries happen in the summer because we are outside more and doing everything you’d expect — doing things around the house, climbing ladders, hiking, biking, and walking more. As a result, you see more knee sprains, strains, back strains, shoulder injuries, etc. These injuries happen for one of two reasons. The first is repetitive injuries, where summer comes, and you say you want to start walking more, and the next thing you know, your arthritis starts acting up, and joints start to hurt. It’s essential to ease into situations like these and build up your endurance. The other category for these injuries is traumatic. You’re climbing a ladder to do some spring cleaning, and the next thing you know, you fall. In those instances, wear good shoes and have a helper to hold the ladder, stool, etc.

What are a few precautions to avoid orthopedic injuries during the summer?

If you’re going to pick up a new activity that you didn’t do throughout the entire winter season, start slower and cross-train. That means gradually increasing your mileage and steps per day and cross-training by doing walking, yoga, leg exercises, and flexibility. To reach an activity goal, you can’t get there by picking one exercise, such as walking, and doing it linearly. You have to cross-train.

Is there a link between dehydration and orthopedic injuries?

I don’t believe a study has been done to link dehydration to orthopedic injuries. That said, all tissues, including those being utilized, like muscles and tendons, need good nutrition and hydration. I highly recommend increasing your water and electrolyte intake as you engage in more summer activities.

What are the symptoms of a bone fracture, and who is more at risk?

Symptoms of a bone fracture include local pain in that area, including swelling, redness, etc. The people who are at risk of orthopedic injuries — whether that be broken bones or sprains and strains — are individuals who increase their activities too quickly, pick up a new activity without truly strengthening their body, and are older than 65 and 70. In these situations, the tenets of RICE work, taking anti-inflammatory medication, and reaching out to your nearest orthopedic provider.

Can I get back to enjoying summer after a joint replacement?

Absolutely. Once you have your joint replacement, you can return to everything we want to do during the summer — pickleball, hiking, riding your bike … all sorts of stuff.

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