Common Hiking Injuries, Prevention, and Treatment
Hiking’s best feature is that almost everyone can undertake it. It is not necessary to be a seasoned hiker or even hiked before. Hiking brings with it the unpleasant inevitability of injuries. As a result, it’s critical to be aware of the most frequent hiking injuries, as well as how to prevent and manage them before heading out.
Blisters occur due to friction between the skin and clothing items and are one of the most common hiking injuries. Hikers should make sure their socks don’t slip up and down while they hike to avoid blisters. Hikers can prevent blisters by keeping their feet dry by keeping two or three extra pairs of socks on hand if they accidentally tread in a bog hole. Additionally, hikers should ensure that their replacement pairs are appropriately waterproofed and stored within their pack.
If hikers get a blister, they must act fast to avoid additional suffering and prevent the blister from worsening. To reduce the danger of infection, hikers should apply disinfectant and then cover it in a bandage. The blister can suffer further aggravation. Therefore, they should use a blister plaster or cover it tightly with a bandage.
Some hikers can get away with trail runners and sneakers on certain routes. Hiking boots with many laces are inherently stiff and aren’t always essential. This may be more appropriate for the more experienced hiker, but it is one technique to make the journey more comfortable in preventing blisters and reducing the load on the feet.
An ankle sprain is another common type of injury that occurs when hiking. Hikers can avoid this by wearing decent hiking boots with good ankle support and exercising caution while placing feet on uneven surfaces. Hiking poles are also an excellent option because they provide added stability when hiking. However, it’s only a good idea to wear sneakers or trail runners if the trail allows it safely without increasing the danger of sprains.
Furthermore, sprains are almost inevitable when hiking, no matter how careful a hiker is. Therefore, hikers should use the RICE method to sprain their ankles while hiking. “R-rest” stands for removing all weight from the sprained ankle as soon as possible to avoid further injury. While “I-ice” stands for applying ice on the sprained ankle, there are situations where there is no ice; alternatives like snow, cold water from rivers can be opted for. In addition, “C-compression” stands for using an elastic bandage or an old t-shirt to apply compression. Hikers should ensure the bandage isn’t too tight to have blood circulation in the body. Additionally, “E-elevation” stands for raising the afflicted person’s ankle above their heart.
One of the most common hiking injuries is cuts, which can occur at any moment and from any location. They’re tough to avoid, but they’re usually not dangerous. Therefore, hikers should be cautious when walking on uneven ground to avoid falling and traveling through dense vegetation to avoid cuts from branches and brambles. If a hiker does sustain any cut, they should treat it by disinfecting and covering it as soon as possible.
