Spring Sports Are Starting: How to Prevent & Treat Common Injuries

Spring sports season is back, and athletes everywhere are gearing up for practices, games, and tournaments. Whether it’s baseball, soccer, track, lacrosse, or tennis, spring sports bring plenty of excitement—but they also bring an increased risk of injuries. From minor sprains to more serious fractures and concussions, athletes of all ages need to take steps to stay safe while playing at their best.

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we treat a wide range of sports-related injuries every spring. The good news is that many of these can be prevented with the right preparation, safety measures, and recovery strategies. When injuries do happen, early treatment can make all the difference in getting athletes back on the field as quickly and safely as possible.

The Most Common Injuries in Spring Sports

Spring sports require speed, agility, endurance, and strength, which means certain injuries happen more frequently than others. These are the ones that bring the most athletes into urgent care:

• Sprains and Strains – These injuries occur when ligaments, muscles, or tendons are overstretched or torn, often from sudden movements or overuse.
• Fractures – High-impact sports can lead to broken bones, especially in the wrists, arms, ankles, and collarbones.
• Concussions – A hard hit to the head during a game can cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, and nausea, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Knee Injuries – Sports that involve quick changes in direction, such as soccer and basketball, put a lot of stress on the knees, increasing the risk of ligament tears.
• Shin Splints – Runners often experience pain along the shinbone from repetitive stress on the lower legs.
• Shoulder Injuries – Baseball pitchers, tennis players, and swimmers are prone to shoulder strains, rotator cuff injuries, and impingements due to repetitive overhead motions.

Knowing which injuries are most common helps athletes take the right precautions to avoid them.

Why Warming Up Properly Can Prevent Injuries

Skipping a warm-up is one of the easiest ways to get injured. A good warm-up routine increases blood flow, improves flexibility, and prepares muscles for activity. Athletes should always spend at least 10 to 15 minutes getting their bodies ready before playing.

• Start with light cardio – A slow jog, jumping jacks, or jump rope gets the heart pumping and loosens up muscles.
• Do dynamic stretching – Movements like lunges, leg swings, and high knees help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
• Avoid static stretching before play – Holding stretches for long periods can weaken muscles before activity. Static stretching is best saved for after workouts.

Taking the time to warm up properly can keep muscles strong and reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries.

Strength and Conditioning for Injury Prevention

Athletes who focus on strength training and conditioning have a lower risk of getting injured. Stronger muscles provide better support for the body, reducing strain on joints and ligaments.

Building core strength is particularly important. A strong core improves balance, coordination, and posture, which helps prevent falls and awkward movements that can lead to injuries. Exercises like squats, planks, and resistance band workouts help stabilize the body and improve overall athletic performance.

Flexibility is just as important. Stretching after workouts, using foam rollers, and even incorporating yoga into a training routine can keep muscles from becoming tight and imbalanced. Keeping the body strong and flexible is one of the best ways to prevent sports-related injuries.

How Proper Equipment Can Make a Difference

Wearing the right gear is another key factor in preventing injuries. Sports equipment isn’t just about performance—it’s about safety.

• Wear the right shoes – Sport-specific shoes provide better grip and support, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
• Use protective gear – Helmets, mouthguards, and pads help absorb impact in contact sports like football and lacrosse.
• Brace up when needed – Athletes recovering from past injuries can use knee braces, ankle wraps, or compression sleeves for extra stability.

Investing in the right protective gear helps prevent many of the most common sports injuries.

Recognizing When an Injury Needs Medical Attention

Some injuries heal with rest, while others require medical care. Knowing when to seek treatment can prevent minor injuries from becoming major problems.

Minor Injuries That Can Be Treated at Home

For mild sprains, strains, and sore muscles, the R.I.C.E. method is an effective way to manage symptoms:

• Rest – Avoid putting stress on the injured area.
• Ice – Apply ice for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling.
• Compression – Use a bandage or wrap to provide support.
• Elevation – Keep the injured area elevated to decrease swelling.

If symptoms improve within a few days, the injury is likely mild and can be managed at home.

Serious Injuries That Require Urgent Care

Some injuries need professional evaluation. Seek medical attention if:

• The pain is severe and doesn’t improve with rest.
• There is significant swelling, bruising, or deformity.
• The athlete cannot put weight on an injured limb.
• A possible concussion causes dizziness, nausea, or confusion.
• There is numbness or tingling in the affected area.

Ignoring these signs can lead to long-term damage, so it’s always better to get checked out when in doubt.

The Importance of Rest and Recovery

Many athletes make the mistake of pushing through injuries or returning to their sport before fully recovering. This can lead to more severe damage and prolonged time away from play. Rest is a crucial part of the healing process, and in some cases, physical therapy may be necessary to regain strength and mobility before resuming activity.

Proper hydration, nutrition, and sleep all contribute to how well the body heals. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain muscle function, while a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins supports tissue repair. Getting enough sleep allows the body to recover from the physical stress of sports, making it easier to prevent future injuries.

Taking a few days off when needed is always better than facing months of recovery due to a worsened injury.

Fast & Reliable Care at TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track

When injuries happen, quick treatment is the key to a full recovery. At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we offer X-rays, injury assessments, and customized treatment plans to help athletes heal properly. From minor sprains to suspected fractures, our medical team is ready to provide expert care.

We know that long waits in emergency rooms can be frustrating, which is why we offer our Save My Spot e-Check-in, allowing patients to fill out forms online for an expedited check-in. With 20 locations throughout the Greater Tampa Area, we make it easy for athletes and their families to receive the care they need, exactly when they need it.

We’re open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., ensuring that athletes can get medical attention fast—whether it’s after a weekday practice or a weekend tournament. Don’t let injuries keep you out of the game—trust TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track to get you back to doing what you love.