Spring brings warmer weather, longer days, and a surge in outdoor sports activities. Whether you’re playing baseball, soccer, tennis, or running on a track, injuries can happen. While some minor injuries can be treated at home, others require urgent medical attention. Knowing when to seek urgent care can help prevent complications and speed up recovery. Keep reading to learn more about common sports injuries and when to seek medical attention!
For same-day sports injury treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands. Our urgent care center provides specialized care for each patient with no appointment required. If you wish to plan your visit in advance, simply pre-register below.
Common Spring Sports Injuries
As athletes return to outdoor training and competition, certain injuries become more common. Here are a few of the most frequent spring sports injuries:
1. Sprains and Strains
A sprain occurs when a ligament (the tissue connecting the bones) is stretched or torn, while a strain involves muscles or tendons. This type of injury is common in soccer, baseball, tennis, and track and field. Symptoms to look for include swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty moving the affected joint. Seek urgent care if you hear a popping sound, cannot put weight on the injury, or experience severe swelling.
2. Fractures
A fracture is a break in the bone, which can range from a small hairline fracture to a full break. Fractures are common in baseball, soccer, skateboarding, and cycling. Symptoms include severe pain, bruising, and visible deformity. Urgent care centers are equipped to treat acute fractures, but if there is bone appearing out of place, seek immediate care at the ER.
3. Tendonitis (Overuse Injuries)
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon due to repetitive movements. It’s common in tennis (tennis elbow), baseball (pitcher’s shoulder), and running (achilles tendonitis). Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and discomfort that worsens with activity. Seek urgent care if the pain persists despite rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.
When To Visit Urgent Care vs. ER
An urgent care center is best for:
- Mild to moderate sprains and strains
- Suspected minor fractures
- Mild concussions (without loss of consciousness)
- Persistent pain from overuse injuries
Go to the emergency room for:
- Severe fractures with visible bone displacement
- Loss of consciousness or severe concussion symptoms
- Deep wounds with uncontrolled bleeding
- Signs of heat stroke (confusion, fainting)
Preventing Spring Sports Injuries
Preventing sports injuries in the spring starts with proper preparation. Warming up before activity is crucial, as it helps loosen muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce the risk of sprains and strains. Be sure to warm up and stretch before and after participating in sports. Use proper gear like helmets, pads, and supportive footwear. Stay hydrated and take breaks in warm weather. And don’t forget to listen to your body– if something feels off, don’t push through the pain. Taking a break and seeking medical advice can prevent a minor injury from becoming a major one.
Get Walk-In Sports Injury Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands
Spring sports are a great way to stay active, but injuries can happen even when we try to prevent them. Knowing when to seek urgent care can prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery. If you’re unsure whether an injury needs medical attention, it’s always best to get checked out by a healthcare professional. Have you or a loved one injured themselves? Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands! Our medical team can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options so you can get the care you need when you need it most. With the right treatment, you can safely recover from your injury and get back to enjoying the season to the fullest. If you have any additional questions about sports injury treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our team directly at (303) 477-6000.
