Each year, the National Safety Council designates June as National Safety Month—a time to spotlight the importance of preventing injuries both at work and at home. While safety can mean different things depending on your environment, one thing is universal: injuries can happen when you least expect them, and being proactive can make all the difference.

At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, we treat patients every day who never imagined they’d need orthopaedic care until an injury disrupted their routine. Many of these injuries are preventable with the right knowledge and habits. That’s why we’re using National Safety Month to share helpful insights on avoiding common orthopaedic injuries and staying active without setbacks.

Why National Safety Month Matters

According to the National Safety Council, preventable injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. While some of these are linked to serious accidents, others stem from everyday activities—slips, falls, repetitive stress, or overuse injuries that slowly build over time.

National Safety Month aims to raise awareness of the small steps people can take to prevent accidents before they happen. For MidAmerica Orthopaedics, that means educating our community on how to protect their bones, joints, and muscles year-round.

Common Preventable Orthopaedic Injuries

When people think of orthopaedic injuries, they often imagine high-impact trauma like a broken bone or torn ligament from a sports incident or car accident. While these certainly happen, many orthopaedic conditions are the result of more subtle causes, including:

1. Falls and Slips

Falls are a leading cause of injury for both older adults and active individuals. From icy sidewalks in the winter to slick pool decks in the summer, it’s easy to take one wrong step. Falls can result in broken hips, wrist fractures, or even serious spinal injuries.

Prevention tip: Keep walkways well-lit and clutter-free. Use handrails when available and wear shoes with good traction.

2. Repetitive Stress Injuries

Typing on a keyboard, lifting groceries the wrong way, or performing the same motion at work day after day can lead to chronic pain or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis.

Prevention tip: Take frequent breaks during repetitive tasks and use ergonomically designed workstations. Strengthen surrounding muscles with guided exercises.

3. Sports and Exercise Injuries

From weekend warriors to seasoned athletes, improper form or lack of warm-up can easily lead to ACL tears, rotator cuff strains, or stress fractures.

Prevention tip: Stretch before and after activity, focus on technique, and don’t push through pain. Listen to your body—it often tells you when to rest.

4. Back Injuries

Lifting heavy objects improperly or sitting for long periods with poor posture can cause lasting damage to the spine.

Prevention tip: Use your legs—not your back—when lifting. When seated, keep your spine supported and your feet flat on the floor.

Workplace Safety: What Employers and Employees Can Do

Workplace injuries are among the most common reasons for visits to urgent care or orthopaedic specialists. Whether you work at a desk or in a physically demanding job, awareness and preparation are key.

• Desk job? Adjust your chair, monitor, and keyboard so you’re sitting in a neutral position. Keep wrists straight and shoulders relaxed.
• On your feet all day? Wear supportive shoes and take micro-breaks to stretch your calves, hamstrings, and lower back.
• Heavy lifting involved? Get proper training on safe lifting techniques and always ask for help when needed.

Employers can also contribute by providing safety training, investing in ergonomically designed equipment, and creating a culture where employees are encouraged to speak up about potential hazards.

Summer Activities and Safety

June kicks off the summer season, which means more people are getting outside and staying active. From biking and running to kayaking and tennis, the warmer weather opens up a wide range of movement—but also brings its own risks.

• Hydration: Staying hydrated helps keep muscles and joints working properly. Dehydration can increase the risk of cramps and strains.
• Sun Protection: Long hours outside can lead to heat exhaustion. Wear breathable clothing and sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade.
• Proper Footwear: Flip-flops may be convenient, but they offer little support. For longer walks or standing periods, opt for cushioned, supportive shoes.

What to Do if You’re Injured

If you experience a fall, sudden joint pain, or a nagging ache that won’t go away, it’s important to get evaluated as soon as possible. Ignoring pain can lead to worse damage and longer recovery times.

At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, we offer Orthopaedic Immediate Care—a walk-in service designed for fast, expert evaluation of musculoskeletal injuries. Whether you’re dealing with a sprain, strain, or suspected fracture, our team of orthopaedic specialists can provide timely and accurate care without the wait of a traditional emergency room.

Immediate care means you’ll get:

• Faster access to diagnostics like X-rays or MRIs
• Direct referral to an orthopaedic specialist
• Personalized treatment plans for faster recovery

Injury Prevention Starts with Awareness

This National Safety Month, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on their daily habits. Are you doing all you can to protect your joints and muscles? Are there simple changes you could make to improve posture, reduce strain, or prevent falls?

Remember, safety doesn’t just happen on its own. It’s a habit, a mindset, and a lifestyle. The more intentional you are about how you move and live, the more freedom you’ll have to stay active, pain-free, and independent.

Stay Safe with MidAmerica Orthopaedics

From injury prevention to expert treatment and rehabilitation, MidAmerica Orthopaedics is proud to serve patients across the Chicagoland area with comprehensive orthopaedic care. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just someone who wants to stay mobile and pain-free, we’re here to help you move with confidence.

Book an appointment today or walk in to our Orthopaedic Immediate Care to get started on your path to healing.