Have you recently sustained a sports injury and aren’t sure whether or not you need to have it checked out by a physician? Even though you may feel it’s okay to play volleyball or other beach sports in bare feet, it’s possible there is broken glass or other detritus lurking beneath the sand. Then there’s those rocks you’re usually able to maneuver around when you’re out swimming or surfing. And did you remember to put on that extra-strength sunscreen?
While your sports injury may look or feel like something minor, it’s important to have it evaluated by a physician at a local urgent care clinic. You may need to get stitches or other types of medical care, such as stitches, a tetanus shot, or a course of antibiotics.
In 2016, for example, statistics reported by the United States Lifesaving Association showed that there were 88,620 beach rescues made within that year alone. These rescues were performed for a variety of reasons, of course. If you’re a veteran surfer, you are likely aware of the types of sports injuries that can occur. However, if you’re in the process of learning how to surf, you may be interested in hearing about a few of the common injuries:
- Leg injuries: 46%
- Head and facial injuries: 26%
- Trunk and back injuries: 13%
- Shoulder and arm injuries: 13%
If you’ve been hit in the head by someone else’s or your own board, for example, you may need wound treatment and pain care. If you haven’t worn the right type of sunscreen, and have received a bad or serious sunburn, it would be a good idea to seek medical attention as soon as possible. For future reference, and your urgent care physician will concur, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum protection that is water resistant and SPF 30 or higher.
Do you enjoy playing volleyball? It’s not uncommon to sustain a sports injury while playing this fun, high-energy game. Most of the injuries sustained by playing volleyball tend to be related to jumping. These types of injuries are estimated to constitute 63% of volleyball-related injuries.
Urgent care centers offer a unique option to visiting a traditional hospital emergency room. First of all, they provide walk in treatment without advanced appointments. Secondly, at about 60% of these centers, you’ll be able to see a physician, a physician’s assistant, or another type of mid-level provider within about 15 minutes. Finally, it’s important to note that 65% of these facilities always have a physician at their site.
If you’ve been injured, are in pain, or believe you have come into contact with some type of contaminant, doesn’t it make sense to seek immediate medical care? While it does make sense that you don’t want to interrupt your beach time, it makes even more sense to receive a professional assessment of your injury. While you may just need a salve for that burn or a few stitches from grazing your hands on a rock, it’s better to be cleared by a physician rather than allowing a potential issue to worsen.