Staying Safe This Fall: Common Sports Injuries in Young Athletes & How The Emergency Center Can Help

With school back in full swing, fall sports are everywhere—from Friday night football games to weekend swim meets and weekday volleyball or soccer practices. Student athletes of all ages, from elementary school through high school, are filling their schedules with practices, competitions, and team bonding. While fall sports provide excellent opportunities for physical fitness, teamwork, and growth, they also come with a risk of injury.

At The Emergency Center, we understand that sports-related injuries can happen unexpectedly. Whether your child is a middle school soccer player or a high school varsity football star, we’re here to provide immediate, compassionate, and expert care when accidents occur.

Top Sports Injuries in Fall Sports: A Breakdown by Sport

Football

Football is one of the most physically demanding sports, and injuries are fairly common due to the high-contact nature of the game.

• Concussions and head injuries from tackles or falls
• Sprains and strains in the ankles, knees, and shoulders
• Fractures, particularly in the wrist, collarbone, or legs
• Heat-related illnesses during practices and games

Volleyball

Volleyball players rely heavily on their arms and legs for serving, blocking, and jumping.

• Finger injuries like jams or dislocations from blocking or setting
• Ankle sprains from jumping and landing awkwardly
• Shoulder overuse injuries from repetitive serving and spiking
• Knee pain due to constant diving and quick direction changes

Soccer

With constant running, kicking, and sudden direction changes, soccer places a lot of stress on the lower body.

• ACL and meniscus tears are especially common in adolescent athletes
• Ankle sprains and fractures from twisting or contact
• Shin splints from repetitive running
• Concussions from heading the ball or collisions

Cross Country

While not a contact sport, cross country comes with unique challenges.

• Overuse injuries such as stress fractures in the legs or feet
• Shin splints and knee pain from repetitive running on hard surfaces
• Dehydration and heat exhaustion during long runs
• Ankle sprains from uneven terrain

Swimming

Though often thought of as low-impact, swimming isn’t injury-free.

• Shoulder injuries such as swimmer’s shoulder due to repetitive strokes
• Knee pain from breaststroke kicking (sometimes called “breaststroker’s knee”)
• Back strain from repetitive twisting motions
• Ear infections from prolonged water exposure

How The Emergency Center Can Help: Immediate Care for Sports Injuries

At The Emergency Center, we are equipped to handle both minor and major sports injuries with the same level of expertise and urgency. Our facilities offer:

• On-site imaging (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds) to quickly diagnose fractures, dislocations, or internal injuries
• Immediate concussion evaluations to ensure head injuries are properly assessed and managed
• IV fluids and medications for dehydration, heat exhaustion, or severe pain
• Splinting, casting, and wound care to stabilize injuries and promote recovery
• 24/7 access so you never have to wait until morning or drive across town for quality care

Unlike urgent care centers, we operate as a full emergency department—meaning we can handle everything from a jammed finger to a life-threatening head injury, all in one place.

Supporting Student Athletes and Families: Ensuring Safe and Speedy Recovery

We know that sports are more than just a game—they’re about teamwork, discipline, and community. That’s why we’re committed to helping your child get back in the game safely. Our team provides personalized discharge instructions, follow-up recommendations, and communication with school trainers or physicians as needed.

Whether your child is just starting out in middle school sports or playing at the varsity level, The Emergency Center is here to ensure their health and safety come first. Fall sports are exciting and rewarding, but injuries can happen at any time. When they do, trust The Emergency Center for expert, around-the-clock emergency care tailored to student athletes.

The Emergency Center

San Antonio
11320 Alamo Ranch Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78253
Phone: 210-485-3644

Conroe
4019 Interstate 45 N,
Conroe, TX 77304
Phone: 936-247-9457