Summer 2025 7 Stay in the game this summer A sports injury can bring your favorite summer pastimes to a standstill. Back sprains, stress fractures and tendon injuries—like golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow and jumper’s knee—are among the many issues that can sideline athletes and weekend warriors alike. The good news: Prevention is possible. When you hit the field, trail or court this summer, keep this injury prevention playbook in mind. Warm up. Preparing your muscles with stretches and a short warm-up can improve your safety and performance. Remember to cool down and stretch afterward. Ease into your activity. Doing too much too soon can get you hurt, especially if you haven’t kept up your conditioning in the offseason. “Level up gradually instead of going from zero to 100 quickly,” cautions Lance Johnson, MD, a sports medicine and family medicine physician. “Start with shorter distances or durations of your workout, and then gradually go up.” Strengthen your core. Strengthening the muscles that support your spine with exercises like crunches and planks helps deter back pain. “It helps support the ligaments and the joints of the back,” says Jarren Section, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon. “Also, when the muscles are stronger, they can withstand more force during activity.” Vary your activities. For example, if pickleball is your game, mix in other activities that build leg strength. This helps reduce the risk of overuse injuries that come with playing just one sport. Learn proper technique. Bad form can hurt your game and your body. “If you’re playing with poor technique, you might overload and overuse a particular joint or muscle, risking an injury to that area,” Dr. Johnson says. “Have fun, but be safe,” Dr. Section says. “And if you need us, we’ll be here.” Don’t play through pain If you get injured, stop the activity and check with your healthcare provider. The right treatment depends in part on the type and severity of the injury. ● Nonsurgical treatments. Options include short-term anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy and braces that support injured joints, notes Dr. Johnson, who specializes in nonsurgical sports medicine. ● Surgery. If nonsurgical treatments aren’t working, Texas Health Huguley Hospital offers advanced surgical options for orthopedic injuries. The team includes surgeons trained in endoscopic spine surgery for lessinvasive pain relief. Scan the QR code to learn more about our spine care solutions.
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