Common Summer Injuries in the South Bay and How to Prevent Them
Heat Stroke, Sports Injuries & More
That consistency means we don’t see dramatic seasonal spikes in injuries, but according to emergency medicine physician David Oliver, MD, this time of year still brings a unique set of risks that often catch people off guard.
“What really stands out in the summer is heat exposure, and that can affect anyone,” Dr. Oliver says.
Heat-Related Illness: The Biggest Summer Risk
Heat-related illness exists on a spectrum, from mild dehydration to life-threatening heat stroke. Even young, healthy “weekend warriors” are at risk, especially when pushing too hard in the sun.
Early symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, headache, and feeling unusually hot or even chilled. But more severe cases can escalate quickly.
“With heat stroke, we’re seeing dangerously high body temperatures, sometimes over 104 degrees, along with confusion, seizures, or even coma,” he says. “That’s when it becomes a medical emergency.”
Older adults are especially vulnerable, particularly if medications affect hydration or electrolyte balance. The key, Dr. Oliver emphasizes, is early recognition and hydration.
“Water is important, but electrolytes are just as critical. They help your body maintain balance and regulate temperature.”
Sports Injuries: Not Just for Athletes
From pickleball courts to bike paths, recreational sports are another common source of injury. One of the most frequent? Wrist fractures from falls.
“A classic injury we see is falling onto an outstretched hand, which can lead to a wrist fracture,” Dr. Oliver says. Knee injuries are also common, particularly from quick stops or sudden changes in direction.
“These ‘weekend warrior’ injuries often happen when people jump into activity too quickly without proper conditioning,” he adds.
Hidden Injuries: When Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Some injuries don’t seem serious at first, but can become problematic if ignored. Dr. Oliver points to scaphoid fractures, a type of wrist injury that’s notoriously difficult to detect.
“You might just feel pain at the base of your thumb and think it’s a sprain,” he says. “But if that pain doesn’t improve, it’s important to follow up. These fractures can be missed on initial X-rays.”
Kids & Water Safety: What Parents Need to Know
For children, summer brings its own risks, particularly around water.
“We do see more drowning-related incidents this time of year,” Dr. Oliver notes.
Even brief submersion can irritate the lungs and cause symptoms later, making close supervision essential. This is commonly referred to as “dry drowning” or secondary drowning. It usually refers to breathing problems that happen hours after water is inhaled, even if the person seemed fine at first. Water entering the airway can irritate the lungs and lead to swelling or fluid buildup, making it harder to breathe.
Symptoms to watch for (within 24 hours of a water incident):
Dr. Oliver also stresses the importance of sunscreen, hydration, and protective gear - especially helmets.
“I’ve had a serious bike accident myself. Wearing a helmet truly saved my life,” he says.
When to Go to Urgent Care vs. ER
One of the biggest misconceptions? That every injury requires a trip to the emergency department.
“Most minor injuries and even some fractures can be evaluated and managed at urgent care,” Dr. Oliver explains. “They can do X-rays, provide splints, and connect you with specialists if needed. Torrance Memorial Urgent Care is staffed by expert emergency physicians and staff who’ve seen pretty much everything.”
Visiting an urgent care can save patients significant time and cost, while still ensuring appropriate care.
How to Prevent Summer Injuries
Dr. Oliver’s advice is straightforward: plan ahead.
“Stay hydrated, wear protective gear like helmets, and don’t underestimate the heat,” he says. “Bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially if you’re hiking or exercising outdoors.”
Because when it comes to summer injuries, the best treatment is prevention.
Hydration Tips
1. Hydrate Around the Clock – The best way to avoid dehydration is to hydrate on a schedule. Drinking water regularly prevents you from becoming dehydrated quickly if you are out in the sun. Using water bottles as a measurement or refillable water bottles with marked lines can help you visualize water consumption and encourage intake.
2. Limit Sun Exposure – Sun exposure can increase the rate at which we sweat, thereby increasing our water losses. Try moving your outdoor exercise to earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to decrease time in the sun. If this is not possible, seek shade wherever you can and take frequent water breaks.
3. Avoid Diuretics – Excess caffeine and alcohol can cause increased urination, leading to more water loss and a greater risk of dehydration. Staying properly hydrated before drinking these types of beverages and enjoying them in moderation helps reduce the risk.
David Oliver, MD was born and raised in the small town of Hilo, Hawaii. He branched out from the small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to attend the University of Washington for undergraduate, where he fell in love with the Pacific Northwest, and stayed at the University of Washington for medical school. He eventually grew to miss the sun, so he moved to Redondo Beach to complete his emergency medicine training at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Oliver joined the team at Torrance Memorial Medical Center in 2023 and is excited to continue to serve the population of the South Bay. In his spare time, Dr. Oliver enjoys travel, friends, adventuring, surfing, snowboarding, biking, and yoga.
