Summer is here, and that means kids are finally free from the classroom and diving headfirst into all kinds of activities—soccer practice in the morning, swim lessons in the afternoon, bike rides with friends, and playground games until sunset. It’s a season filled with energy, excitement, and endless opportunities for movement and adventure.
But all that activity also comes with an increased risk of injury. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we love seeing kids stay active and engaged—but we also know that sports-related injuries, slips and falls, and overuse conditions tend to spike during the summer months. Many of these injuries are entirely preventable with a bit of planning, the right safety measures, and early attention to warning signs.
As children bounce between structured sports, spontaneous outdoor play, and long hours in the sun, their growing bodies are put to the test. Add in rapid growth spurts, developing coordination, and the occasional missed water break, and it’s easy to see how even minor missteps can lead to sprains, strains, or worse.
From soccer and baseball to tennis and track, summer sports camps and pickup games can push young bodies beyond their limits. The most frequent injuries we see include:
Overtraining and a lack of proper warm-ups often contribute to these issues, particularly in children going from a sedentary school schedule to all-day activity.
Swimming is great for the body—but pools can be hazardous. Kids can suffer:
Even confident swimmers need supervision and boundaries to stay safe in and around the pool.
These activities are summer staples, but without proper protection, they often lead to:
These injuries are particularly common in older kids who enjoy ramps, tricks, or fast-paced rides.
Playgrounds are perfect for creativity and movement, but even a moment of imbalance can cause:
Often, these injuries occur when kids are playing without proper shoes or while fatigued.
Not all injuries are musculoskeletal. In hot, humid Georgia summers, we frequently see:
Active kids often forget to drink water or take breaks—putting them at higher risk for heat-related symptoms.
During the school year, physical activity is often limited to gym class or after-school sports. But in the summer, kids go from morning soccer drills to afternoon swim lessons to evening games of tag in the backyard—often without enough rest in between. This constant movement can lead to:
When kids are active from sun-up to sundown, their muscles and joints don’t always get the downtime they need to stay strong and resilient.
Many children spend summer days at sports camps, public parks, or neighborhood playgroups, where supervision may be inconsistent. Coaches, camp counselors, or older siblings may not always catch early signs of pain or fatigue—especially if kids are eager to push through discomfort to stay in the game.
Unfamiliar equipment, new surfaces, or different rules can also raise the risk of falls or collisions.
A busy summer schedule often leads to:
These changes can impair focus, delay reaction time, and affect muscle function—all of which make injuries more likely.
During summer, many kids go through significant growth spurts, which temporarily affect their balance, posture, and joint alignment. Add that to still-developing muscle coordination, and you’ve got a higher risk for:
The result? Even a routine jump, run, or throw can lead to injury if the body isn’t ready to support it.
A proper warm-up prepares your child’s muscles and joints for movement, while a cool-down aids recovery:
Skipping these steps can lead to tightness, poor range of motion, and higher injury risk.
Children are more prone to dehydration, especially when they’re active and distracted. Encourage:
A reusable water bottle and timed reminders can make all the difference.
Proper footwear and safety gear are crucial:
Ill-fitting or inappropriate gear can make even small falls more dangerous.
Stretching and Body Awareness
Teach kids to tune into their bodies:
The earlier they learn body awareness, the more resilient they’ll be as athletes.
Balance is key. Kids need rest days and consistent sleep schedules to help their bodies grow and recover:
Rest is when the body heals—overtraining only increases the risk of injury.
Set clear rules around water play:
Even strong swimmers need guidance to prevent slips, collisions, and shoulder overuse.
Wheels mean speed—and speed means risk. Always require:
Protective gear is non-negotiable—it prevents some of the most serious injuries we see.
Summer should be a time of joy, adventure, and movement—not doctor visits or long recoveries. With just a little planning and attention, you can help your child stay injury-free while enjoying everything the season has to offer—from the soccer field to the swimming pool and beyond.
By building in hydration breaks, encouraging smart recovery habits, and knowing the early signs of injury, you’re not just protecting your child from summer setbacks—you’re setting them up for a stronger, healthier year ahead. And if an injury does happen, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we specialize in gentle, child-friendly care that helps young athletes heal right the first time—so they can get back to doing what they love, without long-term limitations or risky treatments. Our team of experts understands how growing bodies move, and we offer non-invasive, non-opioid solutions that prioritize your child’s safety and long-term well-being.
📞 Call us today at +1-844-328-4624 🌐 Visit https://www.mediciortho.com/ to schedule a pediatric evaluation
📍 Convenient locations in Marietta, Snellville, Kennesaw, and Buckhead
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At Medici, you’re more than your MRI.
We take time to hear your story, understand your pain, and create a plan that actually works for you.
Our team delivers specialist care at convenient locations across Metro Atlanta:
Get expert tips on injury recovery, pain relief, joint health, and movement strategies—straight from our Fellowship-Trained team.
