Summer, sport and accidents: what are the most common injuries, and how should they be treated?

Summer, sport and accidents: what are the most common injuries, and how should they be treated?

With the arrival of summer, there is an increase in outdoor activities, sporting events, summer camps, excursions and active holidays. 

Whilst physical activity is an important factor in physical and mental well-being, it also increases the risk of injuries associated with sport and leisure activities.

Sprains, bruises, swelling and muscle injuries are among the most common complaints during the warmer months of the year. 

Added to this is the weather factor: high temperatures can increase physical fatigue, reduce the ability to concentrate and increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries. 

Recent studies have shown that extreme heat is linked to an increase in visits to A&E for various acute conditions, including certain types of injury.

This is why first aid in sport plays a vital role in ensuring a prompt response in the minutes immediately following an injury, helping to minimise the consequences thereof and promote faster recovery.

Ankle sprain: one of the most common summer injuries

During the summer, ankle sprains are certainly one of the most common injuries sustained. 

It can happen whilst running, playing five-a-side football, hiking on uneven terrain, or simply as a result of a sudden movement that causes the foot to land awkwardly.

In most cases, a sprain is characterised by immediate pain, followed by swelling and a gradual inability to bear weight on the affected limb. 

In the hours that follow, bruises or haematomas may also appear as a result of tissue trauma.

If you suffer a sprain, it is essential to stop physical activity immediately and avoid putting any further strain on the joint. 

Applying ice is one of the first treatments recommended, as it helps to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Keeping a pack of single-use instant ice to hand at all times is therefore an essential form of active prevention.

Keeping the limb elevated can also help to minimise swelling in the first few hours following an injury.

Bruises and swelling: what to do

Bruises particularly common during summer sports and leisure activities. 

An accidental knock, a fall or a collision whilst playing can cause soft tissue injury, without resulting in any open wounds.

Although they are often regarded as minor injuries, bruises still require attention. 

Pain may appear immediately or build up gradually, accompanied by swelling and the formation of bruises of varying sizes.

In these situations too, a swift response is important. Stopping the activity and immediately applying a single-use instant ice pack to the affected area helps to limit the inflammatory response and reduce swelling. 

On the contrary, one of the most common mistakes is to resume physical activity straight away or to massage the injured area vigorously: these actions can make the situation worse and prolong the recovery time.

It goes without saying that it is always advisable to consult a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough assessment.

Heat, fatigue and the risk of injury

During the summer, accident prevention also entails managing heat exposure properly. 

High temperatures can impair physical performance and increase the risk of accidents, particularly when sporting activities take place during the middle of the day.

According to the World Health Organisation, heat is a major health risk factor and can lead to conditions such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. 

In addition, the physical fatigue and reduced concentration associated with high temperatures can increase the likelihood of incorrect movements, falls and injuries.

For this reason, it is advisable to schedule workouts and outdoor activities for the cooler hours of the day, to stay properly hydrated, and to take regular breaks during prolonged periods of exertion. 

Wearing light, breathable clothing also helps to improve the dissipation of body heat and reduce the risk of fatigue.

The sports first-aid kit: an essential ally

Whether it’s a sports team, a summer camp, an outdoor event or just a day out, having a well-stocked first-aid kit to hand can make all the difference when dealing with the most common emergencies.

Having instant ice packs, ice sprays, elastic bandages, sterile gauze, antiseptics and other first-aid supplies to hand enables you to deal more effectively with the most common sports injuries. 

Having the right kit not only enables a rapid response but also ensures greater safety whilst awaiting medical assistance.

For this reason, advance preparation and the organisation of first-aid supplies are essential in any setting involving physical activity and movement.

Training as a preventive measure

Alongside the accessibility of suitable equipment and materials, training plays a crucial role. 

Coaches, teachers, summer camp staff and sports event organisers often find themselves having to deal with minor or serious injuries before the emergency services arrive.

Knowing the correct procedures to provide first aid in sport enables the seriousness of the situation to be rapidly assessed, before intervene safely and taking the most appropriate action in the minutes immediately following the injury. 

Appropriate training also helps to minimise inappropriate behaviour that could worsen the injured person’s condition.

Accordingly, investing in staff training means improving the safety of the activities organised and promoting an increasingly broad culture of prevention.

Prevention and rapid response: two summer safety essentials

Summer is the perfect time to play sport, spend more time outdoors and take part in all sorts of leisure activities. 

However, the increase in opportunities for physical activity inevitably leads to a greater risk of injuries and minor accidents.

Ankle sprains, bruises and swelling can be dealt with more effectively when you know the correct first-aid procedures and have the necessary equipment to enable you to act quickly. 

The combination of prevention, training and the availability of appropriate first-aid equipment is the most effective strategy for ensuring safer sporting and recreational activities throughout the summer season.

(Sources of information: (World Health Organization and Arxiv)