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The most likely to suffer these injuries are people who have a relatively low level of activity throughout the year and then increase it dramatically during the holidays.
Summer means beaches, seaside activities and outdoor pursuits. Every year, thousands of people take advantage of their holidays to try or enjoy water sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, wing foiling and jet skiing – a trend that has grown significantly in recent years. This increase in physical activity is also leading to an increase in sports injuries. Many of these are due to inadequate preparation, excessive confidence or poor technique.
According to Dr Miguel Ángel Moltó, Head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, “During the summer we see an increase in injuries related to activities that many people only practise for a few days each year. Patients who aren’t trained in a specific area suddenly perform repetitive movements or intense physical efforts that their body is not ready for. We treat high-energy injury resulting from high-risk sports for which the participants have little to no experience.
Common summer injuries
The injuries most frequently seen in our clinics include shoulder dislocations, rotator cuff injuries – sometimes associated with shoulder dislocations, particularly in patients over the age of 40 or 50 – ankle sprains, wrist fractures following falls, knee ligament and meniscal injuries, and muscle tears. Trauma from impacts with surfboards and other watercraft, or even the seabed are also treated.
Shoulder injuries are common in sports like paddle boarding or surfing. The repetitive motions and falls caused by the paddling and falling can cause muscle, ligamentous, and tendon damage.
Shoulder dislocations occur frequently in this type of activity. Once a first dislocation has occurred, the risk of recurrence increases if it is not treated appropriately and followed by proper rehabilitation, especially in younger patients,” warns the specialist.
Why is the incidence of sports injuries higher in summer?
Trauma specialists point out that injuries are more common in the summer not just because of the sports, but also for other reasons.
We see a pattern: People who are relatively inactive during the majority of the year, but who then focus a lot of activity on a few days of their holiday. That sudden increase in activity considerably raises the risk of injury,” explains Dr Moltó.
Other contributing factors include high temperatures, dehydration, muscle fatigue, inadequate warm-ups and unsuitable equipment.
Dehydration and muscle cramps are more likely to occur when you’re fatigued. This can also reduce your performance. Together, these factors significantly increase the risk of falls and joint injuries,” he adds.
Summer is a time when there are more exciting, but also potentially dangerous leisure activities. As people enjoy their holiday more and have more time, they are more likely to engage in sports that involve speed, height, and greater risks of falling.
How to avoid injuries while paddling, kayaking or surfboarding
The majority of these injuries are preventable by following a few simple steps before entering the pool.
According to Dr Moltó, “Prevention begins well before you get into the water. Warming up before you enter the water is essential. You should also stay hydrated and use equipment that suits your level of ability.
Specialists also suggest increasing activity gradually, and giving yourself enough time to rest and recover.
“The goal is not to avoid sports, but to practice it responsibly.” Many injuries occur towards the end of a session, when fatigue sets in and concentration begins to decline,” he says.
Specialists in sports injury diagnosis
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital emphasises that receiving specialist assessment from the outset can make a significant difference to a patient’s recovery.
“We have today highly accurate diagnostic techniques, and increasingly minimally-invasive treatments which allow patients to return to normal activities and recover more quickly. To achieve the best results, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as a serious injury is suspected. Even symptoms that may initially seem minor should be assessed if they do not improve or resolve within a few days, so that the severity of the injury can be properly evaluated,” concludes Dr Miguel Ángel Moltó.
Water sports can be enjoyed safely all summer long with the right prevention, a tailored physical activity to fit each individual and specialist assessment when symptoms first appear.
