A new season brings a new set of illnesses & injuries. Here’s what you can do to make this fall season a safer & healthier one. Walk into AFC today. 

Poison ivy, heat stroke and sunburn are some of the classic culprits of summertime illness. So now that the temperature’s dropping, does that mean we get a break from injuries and sickness? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. 

Autumn in Indian Trail is full of cozy charm – from weekends at Wise Acres Organic Farm to football games, pumpkin patches and evenings around the firepit. But with the change of season comes a new set of health concerns. 

Here are five common fall injuries and illnesses that can sneak up on you this time of year. 

Visit AFC Indian Trail today! 

1. Sprains, Strains, and Fractures

When the air turns crisp, many of us take advantage of the cooler weather to tidy up the yard or start home projects we’ve been putting off. Raking leaves, trimming trees or moving heavy bags of mulch might feel productive, but they also increase your risk of sprains (ligament injuries), strains (muscle or tendon injuries), and even fractures (broken bones). 

Another major cause of these injuries? Slipping or tripping on wet leaves or uneven ground. Leaves can hide holes or roots, and as the days get shorter, low light can make it harder to spot hazards. 

Prevention tips: 

• Keep walkways and driveways clear of wet leaves and debris. 
• Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes when working outside. 
• Take your time, especially when lifting, bending or climbing ladders. 
• Use a flashlight or outdoor lighting in dim areas. 

If you suspect you’ve twisted an ankle, strained a muscle or possibly fractured a bone, visit AFC Indian Trail for a professional evaluation. We offer on-site digital X-rays, so you’ll get answers and treatment recommendations fast.  

2. Shoulder and Knee Injuries

Your shoulders and knees take a lot of wear and tear, especially during the fall when weekend warriors hit the trails, play pickup football or get back into fitness routines after the summer heat. Even simple tasks like cleaning gutters or hauling firewood can lead to overuse injuries such as tendonitis, rotator cuff strains or ligament damage. 

Your shoulders are particularly sensitive to repetitive overhead movements, while your knees bear much of your body weight, making them prone to sprains and tears. 

To help prevent these injuries: 

• Warm up before any physical activity. 
• Stretch and strengthen your muscles regularly. 
• Don’t push through sharp or persistent pain, rest and seek care early. 

At AFC Indian Trail, our medical providers can assess shoulder and knee injuries, provide immediate treatment, write referrals and guide you on recovery steps to help you heal safely and quickly. Click here to learn more about our orthopedic services.  

3. Bee and Wasp Stings

While bees and wasps are more active in the summer, they don’t disappear when the weather cools down. In fact, stings are common in the fall because their food sources start to dwindle, making them more aggressive and more likely to hover near your picnic snacks or soda cans. 

To avoid stings: 

• Stay alert when eating outdoors. 
• Keep drinks covered and food sealed. 
• Be careful near trash cans or open containers. 

If you do get stung, most mild reactions can be treated with ice and over-the-counter pain relief. But if you experience severe swelling, dizziness or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention, these can be signs of an allergic reaction that may require emergency care. 

For mild to moderate stings, our team can help relieve discomfort and prevent infection. 

4. Burns from Campfires and Bonfires

Fall evenings are made for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories by the fire. But campfires and bonfires are also a leading cause of minor burns and eye injuries this time of year. 

Common causes include windy conditions, hidden embers or using unsafe materials like treated wood or accelerants. 

To stay safe: 

• Always supervise fires and keep a water source or extinguisher nearby. 
• Avoid loose clothing that could catch a spark. 
• Fully extinguish fires before leaving the area. 

If you sustain a burn, cool the area with running water (not ice) and cover it with a clean bandage. For minor burns, visit AFC Indian Trail for professional treatment. For severe burns, head to the nearest emergency room. 

5. Seasonal Allergies

Finally, one of the most common fall complaints is seasonal allergies. Even though summer pollen is gone, allergens like ragweed, mold from damp leaves and dust stirred up by indoor heating can make you miserable. 

Typical symptoms include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion and coughing. Left untreated, allergies can sometimes lead to sinus infections or respiratory irritation. 

Here are a few ways to manage your symptoms: 

• Limit time outdoors on high-pollen days. 
• Shower and change clothes after outdoor activities. 
• Keep windows closed and use a HEPA air filter indoors. 
• Take over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays for relief. 

If your allergies are persistent or severe, our urgent care clinic offers treatment options that can provide longer-lasting relief than standard medications. 

Stay Safe This Fall Season 

At AFC Indian Trail, we help patients stay healthy all year long, from summer heat exhaustion to fall sprains and sniffles. Our clinic offers walk-in visits, extended hours and on-site X-rays and lab testing to make getting care simple and convenient. 

Don’t let a sprain, sting or sneeze ruin your autumn plans. Visit us today for fast, professional care.