Sports injuries: Coping while you are away from home
Sometimes you get more than you bargained for when you try to stick with a fitness regimen. A sports-related injury that occurs while you're on vacation can cramp your style -- unless you take some simple precautions.
Last year, while I was on vacation in the beach town of St Joseph, Michigan, I suffered a sports-related injury.
During a six-mile run on a sun-drenched bluff, I tripped and fell and got a nasty cut that required a trip to the emergency room and stitches. I learned a valuable lesson: that I should've explored the unfamiliar terrain at a slower pace (and without Walkman and sunglasses) before I went on a full-power run. Since I'd been running for exercise and stress relief …show more content…
"For the more common, less dramatic injuries, observation for a few days while 'RICE-ing' the injury is appropriate." Ho recommends visiting a doctor if your condition doesn't improve in a few days. "If the injury is easily treatable, you might save a few precious days of vacation," Ho says. "If not, the sooner you get the news, the better to plan your escape and start treatment at home."
Atkinson says that headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or angina (chest pain) all signal the need for medical attention. "Hearing a popping or snapping sound while exercising can signify an injury such as a torn ligament or broken bone," Atkinson says. "But, if there is any trouble catching breath or pain with breathing, any severe sunburn, or if a head injury is involved, it's also time to visit the ER or a doctor."
Back in the saddle again
Ho stresses that recovery and return to exercise depend on the severity of the injury. "In general, there should be no pain or visible swelling, a full range of motion of the involved or adjacent joints and normal to near-normal strength in the affected limb," Ho …show more content…
"If it's a more common injury like muscle strain or a small sprain, do not exercise during the acute phase (first 72 hours)," Atkinson says. "After that, begin by introducing range-of-motion exercises and stretching. As you get back to your walking, running, biking or Rollerblading -- start slowly. Do not assume that you're going back immediately to the same speed or distance that you were at prior to the injury." After being temporarily sidelined, Atkinson recommends taking it easy for two weeks to see how your body reacts and to prevent further damage.
A little wiser the second time around
After recovering from a sports-related injury, you can still hit the trail with the same boundless enthusiasm you had before you took a tumble. It's wise to note, however, that if you do ever need medical attention while in an unfamiliar location, proper identification and proof of medical insurance are required at most emergency room admissions desks. These cards can be carried in a plastic sleeve in your pocket -- along with the address and phone number of your hotel, motel or rental property -- and can go a long way in helping you get medical care quickly and efficiently.
If you can't carry a cell phone on your run, blading excursion or bike ride, tuck some cash in your pocket as well. You never know when you might need a few bucks to use a pay
Sometimes you get more than you bargained for when you try to stick with a fitness regimen. A sports-related injury that occurs while you're on vacation can cramp your style -- unless you take some simple precautions.
Last year, while I was on vacation in the beach town of St Joseph, Michigan, I suffered a sports-related injury.
During a six-mile run on a sun-drenched bluff, I tripped and fell and got a nasty cut that required a trip to the emergency room and stitches. I learned a valuable lesson: that I should've explored the unfamiliar terrain at a slower pace (and without Walkman and sunglasses) before I went on a full-power run. Since I'd been running for exercise and stress relief …show more content…
"For the more common, less dramatic injuries, observation for a few days while 'RICE-ing' the injury is appropriate." Ho recommends visiting a doctor if your condition doesn't improve in a few days. "If the injury is easily treatable, you might save a few precious days of vacation," Ho says. "If not, the sooner you get the news, the better to plan your escape and start treatment at home."
Atkinson says that headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or angina (chest pain) all signal the need for medical attention. "Hearing a popping or snapping sound while exercising can signify an injury such as a torn ligament or broken bone," Atkinson says. "But, if there is any trouble catching breath or pain with breathing, any severe sunburn, or if a head injury is involved, it's also time to visit the ER or a doctor."
Back in the saddle again
Ho stresses that recovery and return to exercise depend on the severity of the injury. "In general, there should be no pain or visible swelling, a full range of motion of the involved or adjacent joints and normal to near-normal strength in the affected limb," Ho …show more content…
"If it's a more common injury like muscle strain or a small sprain, do not exercise during the acute phase (first 72 hours)," Atkinson says. "After that, begin by introducing range-of-motion exercises and stretching. As you get back to your walking, running, biking or Rollerblading -- start slowly. Do not assume that you're going back immediately to the same speed or distance that you were at prior to the injury." After being temporarily sidelined, Atkinson recommends taking it easy for two weeks to see how your body reacts and to prevent further damage.
A little wiser the second time around
After recovering from a sports-related injury, you can still hit the trail with the same boundless enthusiasm you had before you took a tumble. It's wise to note, however, that if you do ever need medical attention while in an unfamiliar location, proper identification and proof of medical insurance are required at most emergency room admissions desks. These cards can be carried in a plastic sleeve in your pocket -- along with the address and phone number of your hotel, motel or rental property -- and can go a long way in helping you get medical care quickly and efficiently.
If you can't carry a cell phone on your run, blading excursion or bike ride, tuck some cash in your pocket as well. You never know when you might need a few bucks to use a pay