Summer in Texas means longer days, warmer weather, and more opportunities to stay active. Whether you’re playing pickleball, golfing, swimming, running, cycling, or coaching your child’s sports team, increased activity also means a higher risk of orthopedic injuries.
At Texas Orthopaedic Associates, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, and physical therapists help patients across Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Keller, and Weatherford recover from injuries and safely return to the activities they love. Knowing the most common summer sports injuries—and how to prevent them—can help you enjoy an active season with fewer setbacks.
The Most Common Summer Sports Injuries in Texas
Shoulder Injuries
Summer activities like swimming, tennis, golf, baseball, and pickleball place repetitive stress on the shoulder joint.
Common shoulder injuries include:
- Rotator cuff strains and tears
- Shoulder impingement
- Labral tears
- Tendonitis
- Shoulder instability
If shoulder pain persists for more than a few days, becomes worse with overhead movement, or causes weakness, it’s time to be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist.
Knee Injuries
The knee is one of the most commonly injured joints during summer recreation.
Activities that frequently lead to knee injuries include:
- Pickleball
- Running
- Hiking
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Tennis
Common diagnoses include:
- Meniscus tears
- ACL injuries
- MCL sprains
- Patellar tendonitis (“Jumper’s Knee”)
- Arthritis flare-ups
Many knee injuries can initially be treated without surgery through physical therapy, bracing, injections, and activity modification.
Back Pain After Outdoor Activities
Weekend projects and outdoor recreation often lead to back pain during the summer months.
Common causes include:
- Yard work
- Lifting heavy coolers
- Long road trips
- Golf
- Water sports
- Improper lifting techniques
If back pain radiates down the leg, causes numbness, tingling, or weakness, it may indicate nerve compression and should be evaluated promptly.
Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Injuries
Summer sports frequently involve repetitive gripping and swinging motions.
Common injuries include:
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Wrist sprains
- Thumb injuries
- Finger fractures
- Hand fractures
Falls while biking, rollerblading, or playing pickleball are also common causes of wrist and hand injuries.
Foot and Ankle Injuries
Whether you’re training for a race or simply spending more time outdoors, your feet and ankles absorb tremendous stress.
Common conditions include:
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Stress fractures
- Heel pain
Ignoring foot or ankle pain can lead to longer recovery times and additional injuries as your body compensates.
Heat Can Increase Your Risk of Injury
Texas summers bring extreme temperatures that affect more than comfort—they can also impact athletic performance and injury risk.
Heat can contribute to:
- Muscle fatigue
- Dehydration
- Slower reaction times
- Muscle cramps
- Decreased coordination
To stay safe:
- Drink water before, during, and after activity.
- Exercise during the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade.
- Listen to your body if you begin to feel dizzy or fatigued.
Tips to Prevent Summer Sports Injuries
You don’t have to stop being active to avoid injury. A few simple habits can make a significant difference.
- Warm up for 5–10 minutes before exercising.
- Stretch after activity to maintain flexibility.
- Increase activity levels gradually instead of doing too much too quickly.
- Wear supportive footwear designed for your sport.
- Replace worn-out athletic shoes regularly.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Cross-train to reduce repetitive stress on joints.
- Don’t ignore persistent pain.
Remember: soreness after activity is common, but pain that lingers or worsens is not.
When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist?
Many sports injuries improve with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). However, certain symptoms should prompt an evaluation.
Schedule an appointment if you experience:
- Pain lasting more than one week
- Swelling that doesn’t improve
- Joint instability or giving way
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Loss of range of motion
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain that interferes with sleep
- A popping sensation at the time of injury
Early diagnosis often leads to faster recovery and may help prevent more serious damage.
Comprehensive Orthopedic Care Across Dallas-Fort Worth
At Texas Orthopaedic Associates, we believe surgery is not always the first answer. Our team offers comprehensive orthopedic care that includes conservative treatment options such as physical therapy, bracing, injections, and sports medicine alongside advanced surgical care when necessary.
Whether you’re dealing with shoulder pain after swimming, knee pain from pickleball, back pain after a weekend project, or an ankle injury from hiking, our experienced orthopedic specialists are here to help.
With convenient locations in Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth, Keller, and Weatherford, we make it easy to receive expert orthopedic care close to home.
Schedule an Appointment
Don’t let pain keep you on the sidelines this summer. If you’re experiencing joint pain, a sports injury, or persistent orthopedic symptoms, schedule an appointment with Texas Orthopaedic Associates. Our experienced team will help you find the right treatment plan so you can get back to enjoying everything summer in Texas has to offer.
