When the spring comes the urge to grab your gear and hit the trail can be strong. But even though it’s great to get out into nature after a long winter of being cooped up, you should exercise some caution on those trails. The wet spring conditions and uncertain weather can cause injuries and illnesses that can put you on the sidelines for months. Safety first should be your motto during any spring outdoor activities.

For same-day injury care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Stoneham. Our medical providers can examine your condition and make the best recommendations for treatment. Simply walk-in or schedule an appointment online today.

Common Spring Injuries

There are unfortunately a lot of injuries that can happen during spring activities. If you are going to be leaping into spring outdoor activities you will need to take steps to protect yourself from injuries like:

• Sprains and Strains

After an entire winter spent sitting on the couch or strictly doing indoor activities your legs and joints may need some time to adjust to the rigorous outdoor activities that you enjoy in the spring. Sprained ankles, strained knees, strained backs, and sprained wrists are all very common injuries that occur in the spring. Make sure that you’re warmed up and ready to take on spring hiking, biking, and paddling before you hit the trail or the lake.

• Broken Bones

Broken bones are also common in the spring. Hiking and biking in spring weather can be dangerous because the conditions are unpredictable. Wet weather can cause loose rocks, slippery or muddy spots in the soil, and slick trails that can cause falls that result in broken bones. 

• Hypothermia

Temperatures in the spring may feel warm compared to the winter, but those temperatures can plummet when the sun goes down or if you’re at higher elevations. Not being prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and not having the right gear can cause you to develop hypothermia.

• Sunburn

After a long winter you’re probably not used to seeing the sun, and it can feel fantastic to be out in the sun all day. But don’t forget to wear sunscreen whenever you’re going to be outside in the sun. Otherwise you could end up with a nasty sunburn.

How to Stay Safe During Spring Outdoor Activities

With a few precautions you can avoid injuries while you’re enjoying your favorite spring outdoor activities. Do these things to stay safe while you’re hiking, kayaking, or biking this spring:

• Check your gear to make sure everything is working the way it should and to make sure all your equipment is in good repair.
• Bring extra clothes with you always so you’ll be ready for weather changes.
• Keep a first aid kit with you at all times.
• Bring more water than you think you will need so you don’t become dehydrated.
• Bring extra warm socks. 

And if you’re bringing your dog with you on your adventures make sure you have safety gear and supplies for your dog as well.

Get Acute Injury Treatment At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham

Even careful hikers and others who enjoy outdoor activities can suffer acute injuries like a sprained ankle or a broken arm. Urgent Care is the best place to get immediate care for acute injuries. At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, our providers are always ready to help you feel better. We treat patients of all ages, seven days a week. If you have any additional questions about injury treatment, please contact our medical team directly at (781) 279-4000.