Ouch! 7 Summer Sports Injuries That May Need an Orthopedic Surgeon

When the sun is shining and the weather is warm and inviting, there’s nothing like being outside – on the golf course, the tennis courts, on the bike path, in the garden – doing all the things we love to do in the summer months sometimes summer sports and activities can come with a few pains and sprains. An awkward swing or serve, a stumble on a run, even tackling weeds in the garden, can sometimes lead to injuries that rest and ice can’t fix.

Let’s take a look at the seven most common summer injuries, their symptoms, and potential treatments.

# 1 The ACL Tear That Can Sideline Your Summer

The ACL Tear is the worst knee injury you can get and is a common injury among soccer and basketball players. This type of injury happens when a player suddenly changes direction, pivots with a planted foot, or lands awkwardly from a jump.

Symptoms: A popping sound, knee swelling, and instability.
Treatment: An ACL injury may require reconstruction surgery, especially for athletes or active individuals.

Learn more about Knee Reconstruction Surgery

#2 The Pesky Meniscus Tear

That nagging pain you feel in your knee on a hike and that continues at rest, the stiffness or swelling in your knee that icing gives only temporary relief to – it may be a meniscus tear, and depending on its severity, it may not go away on its own.

Symptoms: Knee pain, stiffness, or locking
Treatment: Depending on the severity of the tear, treatment can include various injections, physical therapy, or surgical options such as arthroscopic knee surgery

#3 Rotator Cuff – When Summer Swings Lead to Shoulder pain

From the pool to the pickleball court, sports that require overhead shoulder motion can wear down your shoulder.

Symptoms: Shoulder pain, weakness, or limited range of motion
Treatment: May involve rotator cuff repair surgery or physical therapy

Learn more about Rotator Cuff Injuries

# 4 Ankle Sprains and Fractures – One Misstep Away

Running or jogging, skateboarding, playing soccer – one wrong move and an ankle injury can happen fast. While ankle sprains are more common, ankle fractures require surgical treatment.

Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking
Treatment: Imaging and, if fractured, surgery

#5 Achilles Tendon Ruptures – The Snap That Stops You in Your Tracks

One powerful pushoff, a sudden severe pain in the back of your leg, followed by difficulty to walk – just the thought of an Achilles Tendon rupture can send chills up the spine. Sports like basketball and tennis that require jumping or sprinting can lead to this type of injury.

Symptoms: Sudden pain or “snap” in the back of the leg
Treatment: Often requires Achilles tendon repair surgery

Learn more about Achilles Tendon Tears

# 6 The Clavicle Crunch – The Collarbone Break that Bikers Know All Too Well.

One minute you’re flying down the bike path or making a tricky skateboarding maneuver and the next thing you know, you’re flying through the air and falling to the ground. Collarbone injuries are common among cyclists and skaters, and while some heal without surgery, others need surgical intervention to align and stabilize the bone.

Symptoms: Sharp pain, swelling, or a visible bump
Treatment: Immobilization or clavicle fracture surgery

# 7 The Elbow Injury – Not just for the Pros

Baseball players – especially pitchers – are highly susceptible to UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) injuries. It’s so common in baseball that the surgery is named after Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John, who was the first person to undergo the procedure. But baseball players aren’t the only athletes to deal with elbow injuries. Golf and Tennis elbow injuries are common too and can easily lead to a visit to the orthopedic surgeon.

Learn more about the types of elbow injuries and conditions.

Symptoms: Inner elbow pain, decreased throwing velocity
Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, or surgery

Don’t Let a Summer Injury Sideline You

Enjoying summer sports should be fun, not painful. If you’re dealing with a lingering injury or sudden pain after an activity, schedule an appointment with our orthopedic specialists. We’ll help you get back in the game, stronger and safer.