Summer in California means longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of opportunities to stay active. From pickleball and tennis to basketball, hiking, cycling, and beach volleyball, it's the perfect season to get moving. But if your shoulder, knee, hip, or elbow still hurts several days after the game, it may be more than simple soreness.



Ignoring joint pain can turn a minor injury into a chronic condition that keeps you on the sidelines for months.

Soreness vs. Injury: How to Tell the Difference

It's normal to feel a little stiff after trying a new activity or pushing yourself harder than usual. Muscle soreness typically improves within 24 to 72 hours.

Joint pain, however, is different.

Signs your pain may need medical attention include:

• Pain lasting longer than a few days
• Swelling around the joint
• Limited range of motion
• Pain during everyday activities
• Clicking, popping, or catching sensations
• Joint instability or weakness
• Pain that continues to return during exercise

These symptoms could indicate damage to ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or other joint structures.

Common Summer Sports Injuries

Warm-weather activities can place repetitive stress on your joints, increasing the risk of injuries such as:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Tennis or golfer's elbow
• Knee sprains and meniscus injuries
• Hip strains
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Ankle sprains
• Overuse injuries from repetitive motion

Early treatment often leads to faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.

Why You Shouldn't "Play Through the Pain"

Many active adults assume they'll recover if they simply rest for a few days. While minor soreness often resolves on its own, persistent joint pain usually means something isn't healing properly.

Delaying care may lead to:

• Longer recovery times
• Chronic inflammation
• Reduced joint function
• Increased risk of re-injury
• More complex treatment later

Getting evaluated early can help prevent a small injury from becoming a long-term problem.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

At iSCORE, treatment begins with identifying the exact source of your pain. Every patient receives a personalized evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Comprehensive orthopedic evaluation
• Diagnostic imaging when appropriate
• Physical rehabilitation recommendations
• Image-guided therapeutic injections
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy
• Advanced regenerative medicine treatments for qualified patients
• Other minimally invasive orthopedic procedures

The goal is to relieve pain, promote healing, and help you safely return to the activities you enjoy.

Stay Active Without Ignoring Your Pain

Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your overall health—but persistent joint pain shouldn't be part of the plan. If your symptoms haven't improved after several days or continue returning every time you play, it's time to have them evaluated.

Early treatment can help you recover faster and reduce your risk of long-term joint damage.

Get Expert Sports Injury Care at iSCORE

If you're looking for sports injury treatment in California or want to learn whether regenerative medicine may help you recover without surgery, the team at Interventional Spine Care & Orthopedic Regenerative Experts (iSCORE) is here to help. Dr. Maxim Moradian and the experienced team provide advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans designed to relieve pain and restore function.

Schedule an appointment at one of our California locations:

Arcadia: 51 N. 5th Ave., Suite A, Arcadia, CA 91006

Glendale: 317 S. Brand Blvd., Suite A-103, Glendale, CA 91204

Palmdale: 41210 11th Street West, Suite K, Palmdale, CA 93551

Phone: (818) 338-6860 or (626) 460-1096

Don't let a small injury become a bigger problem. Get the care you need today and get back to doing what you love.