We love our summertime adventures in Arizona, but without proper care that outdoor fun comes with some common injuries, especially among kids and teens. This is the time of year that we see an increase in sprains, bites, burns, and other warm-weather injuries as families enjoy swimming, biking, sports, and vacations.
Knowing what to look out for and how to prevent those fun-busting injuries can keep your child safer this summer.
Here are the top 5 injuries we treat during the summer months, plus information about when it’s time to seek medical care.
1. Sprains, Strains and Minor Fractures
Playgrounds, trampolines, and bike rides are some of summer’s greatest hits, but they’re also common sources of sprained ankles, pulled muscles, and even broken bones.
These common injuries are seen when kids are skating, scootering, or biking without protective gear. We also see injuries from children running on wet pool decks, and missteps while hiking or jumping
Prevention Tips:
- Always wear proper footwear and helmets.
- Use protective padding for activities like rollerblading or skateboarding.
- Avoid slippery or uneven surfaces when possible.
2. Heat-Related Illnesses - Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Arizona’s summer temperatures can soar well above 100°F, putting kids and teens at serious risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially during sports, hikes, or extended outdoor time.
Watch for dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse and red, hot skin without perspiration. Headaches and fatigue are also common symptoms.
Prevention Tips:
- Drink plenty of fluids—don’t wait until your child is thirsty.
- Take breaks in the shade every 20–30 minutes.
- Schedule outdoor play for early morning or evening.
3. Cuts, Scrapes and Skin Wounds
Whether it’s a stubbed toe at the pool or a scraped knee from the trail, minor wounds happen. There are some cuts require more than just a Band-Aid, especially if there’s dirt, swelling, or risk of infection.
Seek medical care when the wound won’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure. If you see redness or pus, or the injury was caused by a rusty or dirty object (that’s a possible tetanus risk)
Prevention Tips:
- Always clean scrapes immediately with soap and water.
- Cover cuts with a clean bandage.
- Supervise outdoor tool use, even for older kids.
The Journal of Urgent Care Medicine recommends urgent care evaluation for wounds that are deep, jagged, or caused by animal bites.
4. Insect Bites and Stings
Arizona summers bring out mosquitoes, ants, bees, scorpions, and spiders… all of which can cause itching, swelling, or worse, especially if a child is allergic or the bite becomes infected.
Call urgent care if there is swelling of the face, lips, or eyes. If you see hives or signs of an allergic reaction, or the bite site becomes increasingly red, painful, or warm.
Prevention Tips:
- Use insect repellents with DEET or picaridin.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when camping or hiking.
- Check for bites after outdoor time.
TIP: Treat insect bites promptly and avoiding scratching to reduce risk of infection.
5. Concussions and Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious accidents we see during the summer months. They’re common in contact sports, trampoline falls, and bicycle accidents (even with helmets).
Symptoms of a concussion are confusion or disorientation, nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise, or memory loss or slow speech.
What to Do:
- Seek medical care immediately if your child hits their head and shows any of these symptoms.
- Keep the child awake and alert until evaluated.
The CDC’s HEADS UP program estimates that more than 800,000 children are treated for concussions each year in the U.S.
Bonus Tip: Get Ready for Fall with a Sports Physical
Back-to-school season is just around the corner, and sports and school physicals are required for many extracurricular activities. A quick check-up can also uncover any lingering issues from summer injuries before the school year begins.
At Heavens Urgent Care, we provide:
- Same-day walk-in physicals for teens and tweens
- Comprehensive exams with forms completed on-site
- Convenient virtual care options across Arizona
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These articles can also help you have the safest and coolest summer yet!
Serving Apache Junction and Surrounding Communities
Heavens Urgent Care proudly serves families in Apache Junction, San Tan Valley, Queen Creek, Gilbert, and Mesa, Arizona. Whether it’s a summer injury, allergy flare-up, or back-to-school checkup, we’re here to help—fast.
Walk in today or start a telehealth urgent care appointment from anywhere in Arizona.
