Don’t let spring injuries keep you from seizing the season

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care sees an uptick in back pain, sprains, strains, fractures, and other injuries each spring as people get outside and increase their activity levels. Whether you strained your back gardening or fractured your wrist playing softball, we’ve got you covered.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to stay safe this season:

WARM UP: If you are just getting out there after a sedentary winter, take it slow. Warm up your muscles before any big activities. Or consider small levels of activity to get back into the swing of things, such as hitting the driving range a few times before playing a full round of golf. Even if you’ve been working out regularly, consider that some sport-specific muscles may not be at their peak. Movements like throwing, running, or kicking are things that most people don’t do on a daily basis.

“Stretch before activities and do a brief cool down after,” said Dr. Ravi Alagugurusamy, associate medical director at Memorial Hermann-GoHealth. “If you feel any discomfort during activities, listen to your body and back off.”

MOVE SMART: Back pain is a common complaint. About 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While there are many causes, strains and sprains to muscles, tendons or ligaments are the common culprits.

Dr. Alagugurusamy said many back injuries are caused by twisting movements or exertion the body isn’t used to.

Use ergonomic movements that follow the body's natural motions and take breaks. Overuse can lead to more serious injury and pain.

ASSESS INJURIES: Sprains, strains and fractures are common injuries in warmer months. Sprains and strains are soft tissue injuries affecting ligaments, muscles or tendons, and a fracture is a break in the bone. All are painful and have similar symptoms.

Signs of sprains and strains include pain, swelling, bruising and trouble moving the injured area. They can typically be treated at home with ice, rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. Gentle movement can also help prevent the stiffening of sprains and strains. But a fracture is a more serious injury that requires medical attention. It has the same symptoms, but the pain may be more intense. You may also notice a limb deformity and an inability to put weight on the injury.

Dr. Alagugurusamy noted that they see a rise in kids and teens suffering sprains and fractures in the spring as they get out and bike, skate and more.

“It’s really hard to stop kids from being kids,” said Dr. Alagugurusamy. “That’s where our urgent care comes in very handy where we can examine, run X-rays and treat accordingly!”

And as always, remember to wear your helmet when you are doing anything on wheels – biking, skateboarding, or motorized scooters. Helmets are very effective at reducing serious injury. Assume drivers cannot see you and use caution.

GET HELP: You should get help immediately if you are experiencing intense pain or have an injury that severely restricts movement. Seek help immediately if you have a serious fracture where the bone is piercing the skin.

Urgent care is a great answer for many minor injuries. But head to the ER if the pain is so intense it’s causing vomiting or loss of consciousness.

“While many injuries typically get better with time and care, use good judgment if something feels off,” said Dr. Alagugurusamy. “Getting care sooner rather than later can prevent more serious issues down the road.”

Memorial Hermann-GoHealth offers treatment for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries and offers on-site X-ray services and diagnostic testing. They are open 365 days a year, including holidays. You can be seen quickly and easily by either walking into any Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care center or through Memorial Hermann-GoHealth's online “save a spot” tool, which allows you to secure a spot in line, check in, and complete registration before arrival. Patients who need follow up care can be seamlessly referred to physical therapists, orthopedists, and other specialists at Memorial Hermann.