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 JULY 15, 2004 Adventure Athletes Face Unusual Injuries Adventuresome athletes may face some unusual injuries that require unique preventive measures. Hiking in uneven terrain can lead to twisted ankles and cuts and bruises from falling on rocks. Sore leg muscles from long treks are quite common, as are blisters on the feet. To reduce blistering, hikers should put vaseline on their feet and then put on their socks and hiking shoes. Bring along foods and drinks to prevent dehydration and keep your energy levels up. Mountain bikers also suffer cuts and bruises from falls--and worse, including separated and dislocated shoulders and broken collar bones. The shock from bumps in the road often causes saddle sores, much like those in horseback riding. Level off the bike seat and wear padded cycling shorts to reduce saddle sores, and line your shorts and crotch with vaseline to reduce chafing. Mountain climbers frequently pull muscles in the legs and back, and often have sore knees from trying to stop their weight as they climb down off of rocks. Ankles get twisted from "bouldering" --stepping from boulder to boulder. To prepare for mountain climbing, walk on a treadmill set at a high elevation to simulate climbing and enhance your endurance. Whitewater rafting leads to sore muscles in the arms and back from paddling, and blisters on the hands from squeezing the oars. Try using talcum powder on your hands until you develop calluses. For all of these outdoor sports, you need to protect yourself from sun exposure by wearing a broad-brimmed hat and applying lots of sunscreen lotion. |
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