Prof. Dr. Serda Duman from Medicana Zincirlikuyu Hospital's Orthopedics and Traumatology Department stated that incorrect movements during exercise can lead to injuries. While the number of people exercising outdoors increases during the summer months, unconscious exercise habits can bring about sports injuries.

Especially in hot weather, insufficient fluid intake, neglecting warm-up exercises, and continuing to exercise despite pain can invite muscle, tendon, and joint injuries. Interest in outdoor activities such as walking, running, cycling, tennis, and swimming can increase during the summer months. However, unconscious exercises performed in hot weather conditions can increase the risk of injury instead of improving performance.

Prof. Dr. Serda Duman noted that the body works harder to regulate its temperature in hot weather. She stated that fluid and electrolyte loss due to sweating can increase muscle fatigue, negatively affecting reflexes and coordination. Duman also pointed out that people who do not exercise regularly significantly increase their risk of injury by suddenly starting intense workouts, and that many sports injuries that could be prevented with simple precautions can lead to long-term treatments if neglected.

Duman listed the most common mistakes made during the summer months: exercising during the hottest hours of the day, not drinking enough water, neglecting warm-up exercises before and stretching exercises after workouts, using inappropriate shoes and equipment, and continuing to exercise despite pain. She indicated that these habits create unnecessary strain on muscles, tendons, and joints, increasing the risk of injury.

Duman stated that muscle strains, ankle sprains, knee ligament injuries, meniscus problems, shoulder muscle and tendon injuries, and Achilles tendon issues are most frequently observed during the summer. She added that popular summer sports like tennis, padel, football, running, swimming, and cycling can strain different muscle and joint groups.

Pain Felt During Exercise Is an Important Warning from the Body

Prof. Dr. Duman emphasized that pain felt during exercise is an important warning from the body. She stated that continuing to exercise by using painkillers or not resting with the thought of "it will pass anyway" can turn a minor strain into a muscle or tendon tear. She added that a correct early assessment, especially for knee and shoulder injuries, is crucial for preserving long-term joint health.

Duman drew attention to the fact that if pain persists for more than 48 hours after exercise, or if there is significant swelling in the joint, limited movement, inability to bear weight, a feeling of instability in the shoulder or knee, or a sudden tearing sensation, an orthopedics and traumatology specialist should be consulted without delay. She noted that early diagnosis and treatment can shorten the recovery period while also reducing the need for surgery.

Duman emphasized that when exercising during the summer months, workouts should be done as early as possible in the morning or during the cooler evening hours. She highlighted the importance of performing 10-15 minutes of warm-up exercises before and not neglecting stretching exercises after sports. Duman stated that adequate fluid intake before, during, and after exercise, wearing weather-appropriate clothing, and choosing the right sports shoes are essential, adding that the most important rule is to pay attention to the body's signals. She concluded that pausing exercise when feeling pain or excessive fatigue and seeking expert evaluation when necessary can prevent serious injuries.