The Most Common Summer Injuries
During the summer, everyone, regardless of age, wants the same thing: to go to the beach. At the beach, you have the opportunity to relax in whatever way you prefer. For many people, however, injuries can occur where they least expect them. Summer injuries are usually tendinitis, strains and sprains caused by swimming, beach paddles, canoeing, surfing or even flip-flops. Orthopaedic Surgeon Andreas Leonidou informs us about the most common injuries that occur during the summer and how we can protect ourselves from them.
- SwimmingSwimming is something we have oversimplified and do not give the attention it deserves. In theory, swimming is the most relaxing sport for the body, as the joints and tendons are subjected to less strain due to buoyancy. Incorrect swimming technique is what can cause injury. This is particularly true with the ‘Breaststroke’ and ‘Butterfly’ strokes. Repeated incorrect movements and high-speed repetitions can cause inflammation or shoulder tendinitis. A possible injury may also occur in the knee, especially during breaststroke swimming, with the medial collateral ligament being placed under strain.
Beach Paddles
One of the most popular activities among Greeks at the beach. Every summer, there is hardly a beach where you will not find at least one pair of people hitting a ball back and forth with wooden paddles. However, many beginners are somewhat careless about the way they hold their paddle. This can cause elbow tendinitis or even wrist tendinitis.
Canoeing
Who does not love a relaxing canoe ride? It is a way to relax, but also to exercise. It can be a demanding activity for the upper body if we are not careful. Ligament tears and tendinitis of the shoulder, elbow and wrist are common. Muscle pain may also occur in the back due to the sitting position in the canoe. The way we can avoid such injuries is through stretching. After the ride, we should devote some time to stretching, mainly the back. A little swimming can also help by restoring mobility to the rest of the body.
Surfing
It is a sport that is becoming increasingly popular in our country. The most common injuries in surfing are fractures and muscle strains. This happens because the sport involves sudden movements and requires constant coordination of the body.
Flip-Flops – Sun Lounger
This category of injury concerns everyone, regardless of gender and age, whether athletic or not.
Flip-flops are footwear that is worn very frequently and for long periods during the summer. Due to the high temperatures, it is much more comfortable for our feet to be free, without the restriction of a shoe. However, as pleasant as the feeling they provide may be, they can be equally harmful. Flip-flops are not designed in the same way as shoes. Therefore, they do not provide the necessary support that our feet and, consequently, our body need. This can cause pain in areas such as the knees and lower back. Flip-flops are not intended for prolonged walking.
Another means of relaxation that can cause unexpected problems is spending many hours on a sun lounger. It may be considered a place where we can sit for hours. However, if we do not change our sitting position frequently, muscle strains may occur, especially in people with pre-existing spinal conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do straight after a sprain or strain at the beach?
Stop the activity and try not to put weight on the injury, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours, support the area with a bandage during the day and keep it raised as much as possible. For the first couple of days, avoid heat, alcohol and massage to help limit swelling.
When does a summer injury need urgent assessment?
If you heard a crack when you were injured, the injured part has changed shape or is pointing at an odd angle, it is numb or tingling, or you cannot put weight on it or walk more than a few steps. In these cases, do not drive yourself.
Why can swimming cause shoulder pain?
Although swimming puts less load on the joints thanks to buoyancy, poor technique and fast, repetitive movements, mainly in breaststroke and butterfly, can cause inflammation or tendinitis of the shoulder.
Summer is the season that most people look forward to with great anticipation. We need to make sure that we do not waste it dealing with injuries. If you sustain an injury or experience pain, contact Orthopaedic Surgeon Andreas Leonidou for a personalised diagnosis and treatment.
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