DeTar Urges Caution as Fall Sports Injuries Spike
10/20/2025
DeTar ER and orthopedic providers share prevention tips and when to seek care
As fall sports take center stage across Victoria—whether it’s Friday night football, youth soccer, or cross-country meets—DeTar Healthcare System is reporting a seasonal increase in emergency department visits related to sports injuries. Emergency and orthopedic teams are treating a range of injuries, including sprains, strains, fractures, and concussions, most commonly affecting the knees, ankles, and shoulders.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sports and recreational activities account for nearly 20% of all injury-related emergency department visits among children and adolescents in the U.S. In Texas, youth participation in sports is widespread, with more than 800,000 students competing in UIL-sanctioned activities each year—a number that increases the likelihood of injury during the competitive fall season.
“Fall is an exciting season for athletes, but it’s also a time we see a spike in injuries that are often preventable,” said Dr. Todd Francis, ER physician at DeTar Hospital Navarro. “We commonly treat ankle sprains, ACL injuries, and shoulder dislocations—many of which occur due to poor technique, lack of warm-up, or not using the right protective gear.”
Most fall sports injuries occur during practice, not just during games. Football and soccer top the list for contact-related injuries, while sports like cross-country can lead to overuse injuries if training is not properly managed.
Stephanie Schuckenbrock, director of orthopedics at DeTar Healthcare System, says preparation and early intervention are key to injury prevention.
“If there’s any concern about a concussion—things like dizziness, nausea, or confusion—it’s critical that the athlete stop playing and be evaluated,” Schuckenbrock said. “A second impact can be far more dangerous and delay recovery significantly.”
Schuckenbrock also urges parents and coaches to take proactive steps to ensure athlete safety, including proper stretching, staying hydrated, and using sport-specific protective equipment.
“Being proactive with injury prevention helps keep our kids playing the sports they love—safely,” she added.
Both Schuckenbrock and Dr. Francis stress the importance of recognizing and addressing injuries early. Warning signs such as persistent swelling, inability to bear weight, limited range of motion, or head injury symptoms should be evaluated promptly by a medical professional.
As part of its commitment to student-athlete health, DeTar Healthcare System offers emergency care, orthopedic services, and walk-in treatment options to help families access care quickly when injuries occur.
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