Injuries, we all get them at some time,

so a little guidance to ease the pain

:I quote from Wikipedia

Injuries are damage or harm caused to the structure or function of the body caused by an outside agent or force, which may be physical or chemical.

I guess that just about sums it up in a neat manner.

As a walker the normal Injuries that you will incur are , Blisters ,Shin Splints, sore muscles and sprains.

To help you lessen the inconvenience should one of these befall you it is prudent to carry a few basic first aid items.

Sticky plasters - band aids, are an essential item for everyone walking over any distance above the norm. Some of the most stupid things can cause blistering to occur. Perhaps you tied your shoes a little looser than normal. Maybe you are wearing different Socks to the normal ones. Perhaps you have been walking in the rain and water has filled your boots, softening the skin and allowing the sock to grip to the boot and not allow the normal free movement that a good pair of normally dry socks permit of foot, sock and boot.

If you are unfortunate to get a blister and it is severe a 'Hydro Gel' blister treatment might be the answer. It is a little more sophisticated than normal plasters the gel blister pack is applied directly to the skin. It absorbs pressure and protects the area from further rubbing and friction.

'Vaseline' or Petroleum jelly. Something that many runners swear by as an aid to anti friction between and on the toes and feet. Ladies might also want to put some on their nipples as well to stop friction burns especially if they are not wearing special sports supporting bras.

Scissors, useful for cutting all sorts of things. Tweezers for removing thorns and stings.

An elasticated bandage. Should you be unfortunate to sustain a sprain then tightly compressing the sprain will help to lessen the swelling.

Don't forget for injuries R.I.C.E. Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate. It is highly unlikely that you will have an ice pack or a cold stream to put the swelling foot or ankle in but if either are at hand then utilize them. At a later stage applied heat will help in the healing by sending life giving blood to the damaged area to speed the process up.

Notoriously painful they are the curse of many a sportsman/woman and can take a long period to recover and may well remain a weak spot in the future.

It is vital to stretch these muscles see Exercises before sometimes during and definitely after a walk. Failing to do this will at best result in stiff muscles the following day or later the same day. This can be avoided by stretching properly.

Walking for any distance will cause many of the bodies muscles to cramp up so they need to be gently stretched back.

It is not only the ham strings that tighten but the calf muscles, back, shoulder and neck muscles so stretch and exercise them as well.

It may seem strange but even though you may be walking and getting plenty of exercise you are also at the same time not exercising certain groups of muscles, even more so if you are carrying a heavy back pack Return to the Top of Injuries page

Go to the page about Blisters Check out the Calorie Counter for optimum health

Go to the page on Shin Splints