Common Spring Injuries

As the weather gets better and we return to sports after our winter break, we are at greater risk of injury as our bodies get used to the increased demand.

• Golf and tennis elbow

• Shin splints

• Hamstring strain

• Knee pain (Patellofemoral Syndrome, Ligament Tear/strain)

• Ankle sprain

• Groin pull

• Shoulder injuries

In order to reduce the risk there are a few general tips to save you some body ache be you going to the tennis courts or a road side runner.

1. Proper warm ups and stretches. Appropriate flexibility is important for any sport.

2. Slow reintroduction to activity. Remember your body has had a long break so needs to get used to the increased demand as the body rebuilds the muscle and ligament strength.

3. Regularity and Rest. The body needs time to recover; try to leave at least one day before repeating the strain to any particular part of the body. Additionally doing something 3-4 times a week will help the body get used to it faster whilst still allowing good recovery time.

Even with the best prevention, injuries can still happen. Often these are minor and will quickly resolve themselves within a few days; however if you are concerned it is important to get them assessed quickly. The sooner they are diagnosed the sooner you can tailor your recovery to speed your way back to your activity.

In the next posts we will talk about how to care for an injury immediately after, as well as how to do some basic diagnosis.

Last updated 30/03/2023

Written by Alvar Munding 30/03/2023