As spring approaches, many of us start thinking about getting rid of the extra pounds we’ve gained during the winter months. That means we’ll be engaging in more sports activities. Whether you’re a runner, an aerobics fan, or a Zumba master, you could fall prey to sports injuries. Consider the following three common maladies that sports medicine doctors frequently see at urgent care centers during the spring and how to avoid them.

Three Common Sports Injuries Doctors See in the Spring

1. Runner’s Knee

Many people seek help at urgent care clinics after developing knee injuries. This type of injury can be prevented by; stretching before running, replacing old running shoes, and choosing not to run on hard surfaces like concrete. If you have a knee injury, sports medicine practitioners recommend rest, anti-inflammatories, and ice. If this doesn’t help, find a good urgent care clinic.

2. Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is caused by excessive use of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is at the bottom of the back lower leg where the calf muscles join the heel bone. Sports medicine doctors say this injury commonly occurs when middle-aged people who only participate in weekend sports activities suddenly accelerate activity (also known as “weekend-warrior syndrome.)

Medical professionals suggest that this injury can be prevented by easing into any sports activity gradually rather than all at once. Also, proper athletic shoes and insoles are a key factor in warding off Achilles tendonitis. Finally, stretching beforehand and cooling down afterward is imperative.

3. Lower Back Pain

Many athletic activities can lead to lower back pain. Urgent care centers see a huge uptick of patients seeking help in resolving these issues during the spring and summer months. Fortunately, this problem can be prevented with a few precautionary measures. Keeping a healthy body weight helps a lot. This takes the pressure off your spine and prevents injury. Sports medicine doctors also recommend strengthening core muscles daily. Lastly, think about including hamstring stretches into your daily exercise routine as a warm-up.

Try Home Remedies

The three sports injuries listed above can usually be treated at home with anti-inflammatories and rest. However, urgent care clinics can help you if you find home remedies don’t work. Of the patients who visit urgent care centers, approximately 97% find they receive the care they need. Only 3% require a visit to an emergency room. So, opt for an urgent care doctor to handle these common problems.

Doctor’s Orders: Take Care of Your Total Health to Prevent Injuries

Urgent care clinics recommend that patients take care of their general health to help prevent injuries. Urgent care specialists suggest that managing psychological stress, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a low-fat, high-protein diet can help. They also recommend getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated. Self-care is essential to good health.