Common Injuries: (during wildland firefighting, most injuries are a direct result of overuse)
Physical fitness training injuries video (wmv file)
- Shin Splints
- Tennis Elbow
- Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
- Lumbar Pain (lower back)
- Knee problems
- Foot problems
- Ankle Sprains/Strains
- Blisters
- Bone Bruises
Overuse Injury Common Causes:
- Not stretching – lack of warm up, cool down, and adequate stretching routine
- Exercising too much, too soon
- Improper exercise techniques
- Repetition of exercises (without adequate muscle recovery)
- Anatomical factors (ie: tilted pelvis and flat feet)
- Being overweight
- Improper shoe wear (should be specific for the activity)
- Training surfaces (i.e. running on concrete)
- Imbalance in muscle strength (between opposing muscles – i.e. abs/lower back)
- Machismo (in both men and women)
Emergency Medical Concerns: - * get immediate medical attention
- Difficulty breathing *
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath *
- Chest pain and/or discomfort *
- Sever headache
- Unusual fatigue
- Loss of consciousness *
- Allergic reaction *
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea/vomiting
- Loss of muscle control *
- Slurred speech *
- Impaired vision *
- Disorientation
- Unexplained Euphoria
- Profuse bleeding *
First Aid Treatment for Common Injuries:
Basic first aid treatment is essential for minor injuries sustained from exercise. The following R.I.C.E. method should be used:
- R – rest the affected injured area immediately.
- I – apply ice immediately to the injured area to minimize pain and swelling.
- C – put a compression bandage on the injured area as to minimize swelling.
- E – elevate the injured area to minimize blood flow to the injured area thus minimizing swelling and pain.
|