Back-to-School Means Back to Sports
October marks the heart of school sports season in Fort Worth. From football and soccer to volleyball and cross-country, student athletes are giving their all on the field. But with intense practices and games comes an increased risk of sports injuries.
Parents often wonder: Is this just a sore muscle, or does my child need medical care? Knowing when to visit an urgent care clinic can save time, prevent complications, and get your athlete back in action faster.
Common Sports Injuries in Young Athletes
Not all sports injuries require an emergency room visit, but many do benefit from prompt urgent care treatment. Here are some of the most frequent injuries seen in student athletes:
- Sprains and Strains – Twisting or overstretching muscles and ligaments during play can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
- Minor Fractures – Stress fractures or small breaks may occur in wrists, ankles, or fingers during contact sports.
- Bruises and Contusions – Often mild but sometimes severe enough to need X-rays to rule out deeper damage.
- Overuse Injuries – Repetitive motions, such as pitching or running, can cause tendonitis or stress on joints.
Related read: Managing Minor Burns, Cuts, and Scrapes – When to Visit Urgent Care
When to Seek Urgent Care for Sports Injuries
Urgent care is the right choice for non-life-threatening injuries that still require quick treatment. Bring your child to urgent care if they experience:
- Sudden swelling, bruising, or pain after a fall or collision
- Difficulty moving a joint or bearing weight
- A suspected sprain, strain, or minor fracture
- Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest and ice
- Mild to moderate cuts that may need stitches
For head injuries, chest pain, or suspected severe fractures, it’s best to go directly to the ER.
How University Urgent Care Helps Student Athletes
At University Urgent Care in Fort Worth, we’re experienced in treating sports injuries quickly and effectively. Our team provides:
- On-site X-rays to diagnose sprains, fractures, and joint injuries
- Splints, braces, and wound care to protect healing injuries
- Stitching for minor cuts to reduce scarring and promote recovery
- IV hydration and rapid relief for heat-related fatigue after practice or games
And with walk-in availability, you don’t need an appointment to get your athlete the care they need.
Sports Safety Tips for Parents and Athletes
While not all injuries are preventable, these steps can help reduce risks:
- Ensure proper warm-ups and stretching before games.
- Invest in well-fitting protective gear, including helmets, pads, and shoes.
- Encourage hydration before, during, and after physical activity.
- Emphasize rest days to prevent overuse injuries.
- Teach athletes to speak up about pain instead of pushing through it.
Sports are a vital part of student life, building teamwork, discipline, and confidence. But injuries can happen—even with the best preparation. Knowing when to choose urgent care for sports injuries ensures your young athlete gets timely treatment without the long wait of an ER.
At University Urgent Care in Fort Worth, we’re here to keep your student athletes safe, healthy, and ready to return to the field.