Concussions, Sprains, and Overuse: What Every Athlete Should Know This Fall

As fall sports season kicks off, athletes across all levels are lacing up their cleats, hitting the field, and logging miles on the trails. Football, soccer, cross-country, and field hockey all demand intense physical effort, and while that’s great for performance, it also comes with a risk of injury—particularly if early warning signs are ignored.

At Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, we treat fall sport athletes year-round and know that early recognition and intervention can make the difference between a short setback and a season-ending issue.

Here’s what every athlete, parent, and coach should know about the most common fall sport injuries and the red flags that should never be ignored.

1. Concussions: Not Just a Football Problem

Concussions are most common in football, but we frequently diagnose them in soccer, field hockey, and even cross-country from collisions or falls. A concussion is a brain injury—no matter how “mild” it may seem—and should always be evaluated by a medical professional.

Common symptoms include:

• Headache or pressure in the head

• Dizziness, nausea, or balance problems

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Confusion, trouble concentrating, or slowed thinking

• Feeling “off,” groggy, or unusually emotional

Red flags: Vomiting, loss of consciousness, worsening headache, or unsteady gait should prompt immediate medical evaluation. No athlete should return to play the same day as a suspected concussion.

2. Ankle and Knee Sprains: The Price of Pivoting Sports

Field sports like soccer, field hockey, and football require rapid changes in direction, which puts stress on the ligaments of the ankle and knee. Lateral ankle sprains and ACL/MCL injuries are particularly common.

Signs to watch for:

• Swelling and bruising around a joint

• Instability or “giving way”

• Pain with cutting, sprinting, or pivoting

• Limited range of motion

Don’t assume it’s “just a sprain.” A quick assessment can determine if imaging is needed or if rehab should start right away to prevent lingering instability.

3. Overuse Injuries: The Silent Saboteurs

While acute injuries get the headlines, overuse injuries are just as common—and often more disruptive—especially in cross-country runners and multi-sport athletes.

Frequent diagnoses include:

• Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee)

• Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome

• Achilles tendinopathy

• Stress reactions/fractures, particularly in the shin or foot

Early warning signs:

• Persistent or worsening pain during or after activity

• Pain that changes gait or running form

• Swelling, especially over bones or tendons

• Pain that returns quickly after rest

These conditions often develop from training errors, such as too much mileage too soon, inadequate footwear, poor recovery, or biomechanical imbalances. Identifying them early allows for effective load modification and targeted therapy.

4. When to Rest, When to Get Help

Many athletes are reluctant to speak up, fearing lost playing time. But delaying treatment often prolongs the recovery process. A general rule: if pain limits performance, persists longer than a week, or alters movement—get it evaluated.

5. Proactive Steps to Stay Healthy

• Warm up dynamically before every practice or game

• Strength train, especially hips and core, to reduce injury risk

• Wear sport-specific footwear appropriate for the surface

• Monitor weekly training loads and don’t ramp up too fast

• Prioritize recovery—sleep, nutrition, hydration, and rest days matter

Play Hard, Play Smart

Fall sports are intense, exciting, and rewarding—but injuries can derail all the hard work if not managed early. Whether you’re on the field, track, or trail, stay aware of your body and don’t ignore signals that something’s wrong.

At Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. we offer comprehensive sports injury evaluations, concussion management, and return-to-play guidance for athletes of all ages. Whether you're managing a new injury or want a pre-season check-in, we're here to help you stay in the game safely.

Contact Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. at our Lawrenceville, New Jersey office. Book an appointment online or call us directly to schedule your visit today.

Author

Peter Wenger, MD Peter C. Wenger, MD, is an orthopedic and non-operative sports injury specialist at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C., in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He is board certified in both family medicine and sports medicine. Dr. Wenger brings a unique approach to sports medicine care with his comprehensive understanding of family medicine, sports medicine, and surgery. As a multisport athlete himself, he understands a patient’s desire to safely return to their sport.