Three Injuries We See Every Spring And How to Avoid Them

Spring is when athletes of all ages shake off the winter lull and jump back into their favorite sports. As the weather warms up, pickleball courts fill up, runners hit the trails, and multi‑sport athletes bounce from practice to practice. At Apex Physical Therapy and Sports Performance located in Cumming and Milton, Georgia, we love seeing active people but we often see the same cluster of preventable injuries walk through our doors.

Here are the three injuries we treat most often this time of year, why they happen, and what you can do to stay healthy and active all season long.

Building Running Mileage Too Quickly

Common in: Recreational runners and athletes returning after a winter break

When the weather warms up, motivation spikes… and so does mileage. The problem is that the body doesn’t adapt as fast as enthusiasm does. Increasing running volume too quickly can overload tissues that aren’t ready for the demand, leading to issues like knee discomfort, hip flexor irritation, or general overuse soreness.

Why it happens:

• Sudden spikes in weekly mileage
• Not enough strength training to support running mechanics
• Poor warm‑up or mobility habits
• Returning to running after months of inactivity

How to avoid it:

• Follow a gradual mileage progression
• Mix in cross‑training days
• Strengthen hips, glutes, and core
• Prioritize dynamic warm‑ups before activity

If you’re unsure how to build a safe running plan or you’re already feeling aches, our team can help you move better and train smarter with services tailored to your needs.

Dr. Nathan Teter also has a tutorial on three stretches everyone should do before exercise. Check it out!

How to avoid it:

• Schedule at least one true rest day each week
• Rotate sports with different movement demands
• Incorporate mobility and strength work
• Listen to early warning signs, persistent soreness, stiffness, or swelling

If you’re constantly sore, we can help identify what your body needs to stay healthy. Contact us for a free consultation.

Elbow & Patellofemoral Pain in Multi‑Sport Athletes

Common in: Tennis players, golfers, pickleball athletes, multi‑sport youth athletes

Spring racquet sports and field sports often bring a surge of elbow and knee pain. Tennis or golfer’s elbow stems from repetitive gripping and wrist motion, while patellofemoral pain (pain around the kneecap) often shows up in athletes who jump between sports without adequate strength or recovery.

Why it happens:

• Repetitive gripping or swinging motions
• Weakness in forearm, shoulder, or hip stabilizers
• Poor landing mechanics in running/jumping sports
• Tight hip flexors or quads pulling on the knee

How to avoid it:

• Strengthen the forearm, shoulder, and hip muscles
• Improve mobility in the hips and ankles
• Use proper warm‑up routines before racquet sports
• Avoid sudden increases in play frequency

If elbow or knee pain is limiting your performance, we can help you address the root cause and get back to your sport with confidence. Visit our website to learn about all the ways we can help serve your needs.

Spring Should Be About Playing, Not Pain

While these three Spring injuries are common, they are also highly preventable with the right training habits, recovery strategies, and movement patterns. Whether you’re gearing up for pickleball season, ramping up your running, or juggling multiple sports, the team at the Cumming and Milton, Georgia locations are here to help you stay active, strong, and injury‑free.

About Apex Physical Therapy and Sports Performance: Apex Physical Therapy & Sports Performance offers a higher level of care through one-on-one, personalized treatment designed to get real results. Because we’re not limited by insurance, we have the flexibility to focus on what actually works—treating the root cause, not just the symptoms. With advanced equipment used by college and professional teams and the ability to get you in quickly, Apex helps you recover faster, move better, and perform at your best.